Citizens organisations - in support of the administration in the implementation of policies for the conservation of National Protected areas, and century-old trees

The proposal focuses on monitoring public policies for a healthy environment, a fundamental citizens ’right under the Bulgarian Constitution. Protected areas are one of the main instruments of nature policies, and civil society organizations are a corrective and partner of the state in their implementation. Citizens involvement is needed, as national protected areas are numerous, scattered throughout the country, and the capacity of the administration for regular monitoring is low. Activities include: - review of the main data in the public register of protected areas (PAs), reporting discrepancies and preparation of recommendations for their elimination. The result is improved public data on protected areas which will allow for effective citizens monitoring, reporting of threats or implementation of conservation measures. - field checking a sample of 5 protected areas for compliance of their boundaries with their conservation objectives, and 30 protected areas for the presence and condition of marking and signs. Expected results are 5 proposals for border or objective actualization and report to competent authorities with analysis and recommendations, which will allow taking specific measures to address problems for the presence and condition of marking and signs. - two training events for active citizens on: checking PAs data, proposing designation of new PAs and landmark trees. Expected results are: at least 50 participants; support of citizens in the preparation documentation and submission to the authorities of at least 30 proposals for new landmark trees or protected areas. - a campaign to involve citizens in monitoring the current status of designated trees. The idea is for volunteers to visit landmark trees on their own to check their status and send information to APB. Expected results are at least 50 landmark trees checked. Also 2 reports will be prepared with up-to-date information, as well as recommendations to the administration.

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