Description

This is a fantastic opportunity to join one of BTCV's most dynamic European partners on a joint project in the remote Sakar Mountain region near the Bulgarian-Turkish-Greek border. Working as a team alongside volunteers from Bulgarian organisation Green Balkans on a habitat management project targeting selected threatened species. The project is a great example of habitat management for species conservation and a unique opportunity to experience real conservation in action.

Where we're working
The main part of our work will be based in the Sakar Mountain region. This area, which includes the Derventski Heights and Eastern Rhodopi Mountains is located along the state borders of Bulgaria, Turkey and Greece.

These areas boast an extremely rich variety of species and habitats thanks to the combined influence of three different bio-geographic regions the Mediterranean, the Continental and the Irano-turanian. Each is represented by typical communities steppe and semi-steppe regions; communities of xerotherm species, oak forests, and predominating juniper and thorn bush areas; galleries of riparian forests and meadows; and secondary habitats (water and shoreline) as a result of human activities (construction of micro- and macro-reservoirs).

Balkan politics of the past 60 years has played a key role in the conservation of the area's great biodiversity. The area is located within the so-called Iron Curtain created by past 'hostile' relations between Bulgaria, Turkey and Greece. Under these conditions (until 1990) the area was entirely isolated in terms of economic development and access for people has been highly restricted. This has minimised disturbance and contributed to the conservation of virgin nature and landscape as well as traditional livelihood of the local people, significantly limiting unsustainable exploitation of natural resources.

With a changed political climate since the '90s, 'development' is leading to significantly increased use of natural resources due support fierce economic growth of the industrial areas in Bulgaria and Europe in general.

Who we're working with
In 1988, the former totalitarian regime in Bulgaria committed what is considered one of the most serious crimes against the biological diversity of Europe. Throughout the country hundreds of thousands of tons of poisonous chemicals (rodenticides) were spread to control vole and mouse populations. This caused the death of over a million wild birds wintering in Bulgaria. In December 1988, an informal group of students and scientists from Plovdiv University and the Ecology Institute gathered the carcasses of dead birds and organised the first environmental demonstration in the country. This small group gained instant recognition and the organisation GREEN BALKANS was established.

In 1992, regional societies established in the country united in a national network under the name 'Green Balkans Federation of Nature Conservation NGOs'. At the end of the year 2000, Green Balkans network comprised 4000 members united in four regional offices and 25 correspondent centres. Green Balkans has implemented more than 560 nature conservation campaigns with voluntary funds and the efforts of more than 1100 people. The federation is involved in a number of conservation activities including restoration of wetlands and habitats of rare and threatened species, nature-conservation legislation and sustainable development.

BTCV has been working with Green Balkans for over 12 years providing organisational support and training, and complementing this with our International conservation holiday programme. Cooperation on European projects such as this one is part of a further strengthening of our relationship through the co-founding of the Conservation Volunteers Alliance (CVA) - a legally incorporated representative body for European environmental and landscape conservation volunteering organisations.

What we'll be doing
Our work focuses on habitat management - and encompasses typical rural activities and small construction and repair works.

We'll be cutting high grasses and shrub growth in the Imperial eagles foraging grounds to improve conditions for its prey. Unmanaged grassland growth poses one of the main threats to the birds of prey hunting success. Species such as the souslik Spermophilus (Citellus) citellus (ground squirrel) that need large open spaces that allow good visibility of threats are losing their typical habitat. Where high grass and shrubs will be cut will provide quality habitat for these and other species. Additionally these sites will be cleared of stones to assist future cutting. Collected stones will be gathered at the site borders in pyramid piles providing shelter for reptiles.

Repairs and construction works will be carried out to a vulture restaurant and adopting aviary. We'll mainly be stabilising fences and clearing the area and cutting shrubs obstructing access. In addition we'll be able to join in with feeding of vultures and raptors in the aviary and the vulture restaurant.

Other part of the work will be done in the village where we'll be staying - Matochina. We'll be improving site of the newly established information centre - constructing a stone boundary wall which will involving digging holes and carrying stones, sand and gravel.

Benefits of our work
The extraordinary biodiversity concentrated in the project area ranks among the highest in Europe. The region is of key importance for the conservation of various species of global and European conservation concern, including the Imperial Eagle - 90% of the population of the species nests in the area; Black vulture - 100% of the population inhabits the area; Egyptian vulture - 70% of the population; Lesser kestrel - here is the last known nesting location; Greek and Hermanns Tortoise - the most vital population in Bulgaria. The area is also of significant importance for the conservation of the populations of other species, such as Aq. pomarina, Cir. gallicus, M. migrans, Buteo rufinus and Ciconia nigra. The Habitats Directive identifies various priority habitats 6210, 62A0, 91M0, 91AA, 92A0, 6510, 6220, 2340, 91E0, and 91H0, as well as important species, which inhabit this area: Ophizaurus apodus, Mauremys caspica, Malpolon monspessulanus, Elaphe quatrolineata and others.

The primary target species of this project is the Imperial Eagle. This is a globally threatened species, ranked Category SPEC-1 in the World List of threatened birds. It is on IUCNs Red List (VU C1), and is protected by the Bern Convention: Annex II; Bonn Convention: Annexes I and II; CITES Convention: Appendices I and II; National conservation status: Bulgarian Biodiverisy Act Appendices II and III; and the Bulgarian Red Data Book. According to bibliographic data, at the end of the 19th century there were 1,824 breeding pairs in Bulgaria. The Imperial Eagle used to be one of the commonest birds and preferred breeding on isolated trees in arable lands near settlements. Nowadays, the Imperial Eagle population is estimated at about 25-30 pairs. More than 90% of its breeding sites are concentrated in the project target area. In 2007, there were 14 breeding sites known in the Bulgarian part of the mountains, and 3 breeding sites in the Turkish part. This sub-population is considerably isolated, as the nearest breeding sites are located in Macedonia, Western Serbia, and Hungary. To the East, the nearest breeding sites are in Asia. This subpopulation and the related territory are consequently of key significance for linking (exchanging genetic material) and providing entirety of the European and the Asian populations!

In the last Bulgarian village situated literally on the border with Turkey a local society was established called after the village - 'Matochina'. Its aim is preservation of cultural and historical and natural heritage as pre-conditions for prosperity of the village and its citizens. Its close proximity to the border meant access to the area was very restricted during the communism meaning that, like many of the villages in the area, it is now faced with depopulated and increasing difficulty in maintaining sustainable livelihoods for its inhabitants. Our work on the newly established information centre is specifically intended to directly support the Society and help demonstrate the importance of the area. The commitment of two big NGOs - Green Balkans and BTCV - in supporting the region will greatly assist with this. By basing our project and accommodation in the village we aim to have a direct positive effect and further demonstrate the potential for development of sustainable nature friendly tourism.

Where we'll be staying
We'll be based in the small border village of Matochina. Accommodation will be at two village guest houses, with food provided. Rooms will be shared between a maximum of three persons with a toilet. No internet or cable TV is available in the village!

Highlights

The project area is remote - some distance from the nearest big towns and cities - and organised leisure and tourist activities are almost unheard of. That said, we're with the locals, and the area is stunning beautiful and thick with the untouched remnants of a rich past. Visits of fortress ruins, rock churches, a Thracian tomb and other historical sites are planned.

For birders, several rare bird species will be found Imperial eagles, Long-legged buzzard, Black stork, etc. See a list here.

During the project, we will aim to organise regular visits to a municipal centre for shopping, post, internet, etc.

Qualifications

You must be 18. No previous experience necessary.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

510 GBP

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• International travel
• Medical insurance
• Travel while in host country

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Animal Welfare
• Conservation
• Volunteering

Age Range

18-80

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Guest House

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Other

Typically The Application Process Time is

n/a

BTCV's Mission Statement

A better environment where people are valued, included and involved. Mission: To create a more sustainable future by inspiring people and improving places. Values: BTCV's values are integral to all our work. They have been developed through four decades of a 'hands-on' approach to conservation activities. During this time we have adapted to meet the changing needs of communities, we care about people, the communities in which they live and the quality of their environment.

Year Founded

1959