site.btaMontana Environmental Inspectorate Launches Search for Bulgaria’s Remarkable Old Trees

The Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water (RIEW) in Montana launched a campaign Thursday to identify and document remarkable centuries-old trees as part of the initiative “The Living Roots of Bulgaria,” Inspectorate Director Svetoslav Iliev told BTA. Over the coming months, experts will record the trees’ species, size, condition and location, while also collecting local stories and traditions associated with them. The information will be used to assess the trees and determine measures for their protection, Iliev pointed out.

He recalled that the campaign began in Boynitsa Municipality in Vidin Region, where three notable old trees have already been documented in the villages of Boynitsa, Shishentsi and Borilovets. The RIEW noted that the trees are more than natural heritage, as some have witnessed local history, serving as gathering places and sites of rituals, traditions and legends.

Residents, municipalities and local communities in Montana and Vidin regions are being encouraged to report remarkable old trees and share the stories connected to them to the regional environment and water inspectorates.