site.btaFour New Protected Areas Are Declared

Environment Minister Yulian Popov announced four new protected areas. Changes have also been introduced to the size of two other protected areas, and there has been an adjustment to the protection regime of one protected area, the Environment Ministry said.

Three of the new protected areas fall under the category of habitat/species management area. These are Karniolska Blatnitsa, Marsh Snowdrop Habitat, and Kovachevska Koria. The fourth protected area Provartenika is classified as a natural landmark.

Karniolska Blatnitsa – village of Gintsi is located in the area of the village of Gintsi, Municipality of Godech. Its area is 5.523 hectares. It has been designated for the protection of peat moss of the species Sphagnum cuspidatum and its habitat, which has high conservation value and is categorized as endangered in Bulgaria’s Red Data Book. The area is also home to Karniolska Blatnitsa (Eleocharis carniolica), likewise classified as endangered, as well as suitable habitats for two other conservation-significant species - the Alpine newt and the round-leaved sundew, both categorized as vulnerable.

Marsh Snowdrop Habitat is located in the area of the village of Manole, Maritsa Municipality. Its total area is 1.540 hectares. The purpose is to preserve a natural habitat of the marsh snowdrop and a riverside floodplain forest along the Maritsa River.

Kovachevska Koria is situated in the land area of the village of Kovachevo, Septemvri Municipality. It has a total area of 11.4051 hectares. Its purpose is to preserve an ancient lowland oak forest along the Maritsa River.

The natural landmark Provartenika is located in the area of Lukovit. It has a total area of 4.6937 hectares. The aim is to protect rock formations - a steep domed rock with an opening at the top, as well as stone towers located nearby.

Within the boundaries of the newly declared protected areas, all activities that may lead to disturbance, damage, or destruction of the protected subject are prohibited.

A few days ago, Minister Yulian Popov ordered strengthened preventive measures during the fire-risk season from April 1 to October 31, 2026, in protected areas that are exclusive state property.