site.btaForest Week Opens in Bulgaria, PM Likens Care for Forests to Care for Democracy

Bulgaria marked the start of its annual Forest Week on Monday, with Prime Minister Andrey Gurov drawing a parallel between the care of forests and the care of democracy. Speaking at the opening ceremony at a forestry enterprise near Yundola in the Rhodope mountains, the Prime Minister said, "The forest teaches us that the most important things – those that endure over time – grow slowly, nurtured with care and responsibility. Let today’s celebration remind us that both forests and democracy require attention and time. It is our responsibility to preserve democracy."

The land covered by forests in Bulgaria is 35.9%, according to 2020 data available in the Forest Information System for Europe (FISE). There are 0.59 ha per capita. The vast majority of forests (87.8%) are public, 10.7% are privately owned by individuals and 1.5% by private businesses. 44.6% of the harvested wood is used for fuel, 28.1% is used for pulpwood and 26.5% goes for sawlogs and veneer logs (according to 2023 data by FISE).

The Prime Minister also spoke about the dangers of using natural resources for political leverage. He warned that when firewood is exploited as a tool to manipulate citizens’ choices, it represents not only a social and ethical issue but also a threat to democratic governance. Gurov urged citizens to resist short-term gains that could compromise the country’s future, emphasizing the responsibility of every Bulgarian to protect both natural resources and democratic institutions.

Another point of focus was illegal logging. Gurov noted that each unlawfully cut tree "leaves a gap not only in the landscape but also in public trust". He stressed that poaching undermines the work of generations of Bulgarian foresters who have maintained the forests, linking the protection of forests historically to the protection of state order and the rule of law.

The Prime Minister also highlighted efforts to prevent forest fires, acknowledging the role of volunteers, foresters, and firefighters, and called for broad public participation in caring for Bulgaria’s forests.

At the opening event, Agriculture Minister Ivan Hristanov emphasized the role of foresters, volunteers, and the academic community in maintaining Bulgaria’s forests. "Forest Week recognizes the work of all foresters, volunteers, and the start of the academic community," he said. "Without the academic community, the existence of Bulgarian forests is unthinkable. They guide policy, train personnel, create science and knowledge exchange, and ultimately make these beautiful forests possible."

The week-long event, organized by the Executive Forest Agency, runs from April 6 to 12 under the motto "Tradition, Knowledge and Responsibility for the Forest. 100 Years of the University Forest". Activities include tree planting, educational initiatives in schools, and recognition of contributions to forest protection, with participation from state and local authorities, forestry unions, and academic institutions. The program highlights both environmental stewardship and the country’s forestry heritage, continuing a tradition observed each year since 1925.