site.btaSouth-East State Enterprise Implements Project to Protect, Improve Forest Habitats in Protected Areas

The South-East State Forestry Enterprise (SESFE) based in Sliven announced Tuesday the launch of a project for the protection and improvement of forest habitats in protected areas under NATURA 2000. The project aims to improve the nature conservation status of forest types of natural habitats, increase the sustainability of forest ecosystems and preserve biodiversity in NATURA 2000 areas on the territory of 20 state forest and hunting farms under the SESFE umbrella.

The natural regeneration of forests will be supported by modern silvicultural activities, sapling plantations will be transformed into seed plantations and the structure and species composition will be improved as well.

The project activities include demonstration events, theoretical and field training, exchange of experience between foresters, as well as the purchase of specialized equipment such as GPS devices, tractors with mulchers and field work equipment.

The total cost of the project is over BGN 6.5 million, with its implementation to continue until the end of 2029. It will be implemented under the Environment Programme 2021-2027, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund and the Cohesion Fund of the European Union.

The South-East State Forestry Enterprise in Sliven manages forest territories in the regions of Burgas, Sliven, Stara Zagora, Haskovo and Yambol. It includes 32 territorial divisions, including 26 state forestry farms and five state hunting farms.