Issues

Abstract

The tourism as one from the priorities branch in Bulgaria acquire bigger importance for its successful economical development. In the present work are analyzed existent natural resources for development of tourism which need to be conformable with ecological and natural circumstances in the country. Different places in the country, which has conserved nature, feebly advanced human's activity and richly of natural, cultural, historical and other sights was examined. In the present paper are shown sults from investigation and analysis about Bov region. Main characteristics are showed with aim to appraisal of the possibilities for ecological tourism development. The analysis was made on base on natural, cultural, historical, climatic, geographical and other sights in a region. In the present report are shown and the SWOT-analysis results.

Abstract

Natural and historical landscape parks, being a new form of territorial arrangement, could be regarded as a modern answer to important questions, concerning the formation and the offering of an integrated product of cognitive tourism and short-term recreation.

In typological aspect, "natural and historical park" (NHP), can be regarded as a subcategory of the "landscape park". The idea of such parks and its development is in close connection to the already announced public measure "Encouragement of the tourist activities" in the Program for development of rural regions in Bulgaria 2007-2013, and to the Operation 3 - "Improvement of tourist attractions and the relevant infrastructure" of Priority axes 3 the Regional development program - "Sustainable tourism development".

The offered form of territorial arrangement applies mostly to the rural areas and has been defined by the Bulgarian association for rural and ecological tourism (BARET) as: "Territorial combination of attractive natural components and landscapes with monuments and sites of cultural-historical heritage and architectural elements, for the needs of recreation and tourism, in a slightly changed and generally conserved environment".

Two projects have been accomplished for the last two years (at their preliminary phase) by the BARET:

1.Landscape-historical Park (LHP) "Gradishte", Southwestern Dabrash ridge (Garmen municipality).

2.Landscape-historical Park "Mezdra-east", Iskar Predbalkan region (Mezdra municipality).

In the structural concept of both LHPs the natural component and the attractive landscape is the leading component. The elements of cultural-historical heritage are arranged on the background of this natural layer.

already announced public measure �Encouragement of the tourist activities� in the Program for development of rural regions in Bulgaria 2007�2013, and to the Operation 3 ??????????????????�?????????????????�Improvement of tourist attractions and the relevant infrastructure� of Priority axes 3 the Regional development program � �Sustainable tourism development�.

The offered form of territorial arrangement applies mostly to the rural areas and has been defined by the Bulgarian association for rural and ecological tourism (BARET) as: �Territorial combination of attractive natural components and landscapes with monuments and sites of cultural-historical heritage and architectural elements, for the needs of recreation and tourism, in a slightly changed and generally conserved environment�.

Two projects have been accomplished for the last two years (at their preliminary phase) by the BARET:

1.?L??????????????????????????L????????????????????????????????????????????????????Landscape-historical Park (LHP) �Gradishte�, Southwestern Dabrash ridge (Garmen municipality).

2.?L??????????????????????????M?z????????????????????????????????????M?z????Landscape-historical Park �Mezdra-east�, Iskar Predbalkan region (Mezdra municipality).

In the structural concept of both LHPs the natural component and the attractive landscape is the leading component. The elements of cultural-historical heritage are arranged on the background of this natural layer.

Abstract

On the basis of two years monitoring on astream of tourists on the territory of Rila-Monastery Natural Parksome dataabout characteristic of visitors are collected as: number of visitors;nationality, age and occupation;motives of visit etc. The twenty-four hours and season dynamics are find out and presented on different point of view;the intensity of astream of automobiles, different forms of tourism and recreation and natural resources use etc.

Some recommendations on Rila-Monastery Natural Parkmanagement are formulated and pointed out as:

- some main consequences on the environment are find out;accelerate the workin more influenced areas for a "model" of sustainable natural resources management implementation on the territory;

- to make an optimal conditions to meet the needs of tourists and automobiles, without number limitation, with the opportunities of the park territory, to orientate the stream of tourists and automobiles to well laid out for recreation and relaxation areas of natural park;

- supporting the rural tourism development by tourist orientation to the near villages and towns for hosting, accommodation and entertainment in aspirit of Bulgarian traditions.

Abstract

Landscape assessment scale for winter recreation was made. By analyzing some of the characteristics of the relief, as the most sustainable landscape component, soil and plants characteristics a landscape map for winter recreation was created. Appropriate areas for active and passive recreation were determined.

Abstract

Results are presentedof the activities from the ecotourism development in the biggest Bulgarian National Park - Rila.

Duringan eight-year period investigation in Rila National Park and the region as a whole the priority ecotourism activity and projects have been identified and presented.

Results have been shown from the visitor monitoring management process of the National Park territory and presented developing of ecotourism infrastructure as specialized paths and eco-trails and created new ecotourism product.

The conducting of the ecotourism development in the Rila National park is part of the integrated information database for implementation of efficient policies related with the sustainable forms of tourism development in the protected areas.

Abstract

The report examines the importance of nature parks to protect the natural heritage and in terms of regional development through investment in local economies on specific projects for development of tourism. In analyzing the survey the role of parks directorates for the establishment of new tourist destinations through the formation of preconditions for the development of ecotourism and ecotourism specific products, interaction with local authorities, local and regional business contribution to the conservation and development of local crafts, traditions, culture and environmental education.

Abstract

The initial effect of the insecticide bensultap on the structure of the syrphid community was assessed in the field experiment.The species composition, the population density of each species, the total average density, the dominant structure, and the species structure indices of the syrphid community were studied.The used indices show a deterioration of the ecological situation for the syrphid community in the field immediately after insecticide treatment.

Abstract

In the framework of the ATARTIB project, the level of knowledge about alien insects and their environmental impact in Bulgaria was assessed. The literature survey, showed that the published information was dispersed among many publications, most of them very old or difficult to be found in the libraries.

The published data about negative environmental impact of alien insects on biodiversity of Bulgaria was not found but the following gaps in our knowledge were detected: (1) for most of the species reported, only faunistic datawere found; (2) for some species only a single report was found with no information on their population status;(3) some species are present in Bulgaria according to Fauna Europea database, but the references ware not available for us, since they most probably ware reported by not local entomologists;(4) the inclusion of such species in the preliminary analysis made, is questionable, since it is not clear whether the species are established or have been intercepted only;(5) only alien species of economic concern and under phytosanitary control are studied (6) the analysis concerns published information about species considered to be of exotic origin and introduced in Bulgaria by means of human activity only.

We propose following investigations to be carried on, in order to be created the general monitoring and management system of alien arthropods of Bulgaria: (1) accurate inventory of alien arthropods filling the gaps in knowledge concerning alien arthropods in Bulgaria detected in framework of conducted projects; (2) study the ecological impact of selected alien species and the mechanisms underlying this impact; (3) assessing the role of natural enemies in the invasion success of alien species; (4) assessing the role of alien arthropods on mammals and birds as vectors of diseases.

Abstract

In the framework of project "Investigation on leaf-mining insects (Lepidoptera) in Bulgaria", the published information about leafminers of Bulgaria was analized. On the base of new collected insect material the species composition of 10 lepidopteran families was studied.

The establishment of 466 leaf mining species belonging to 29 families from 14 superfamilies of order Lepidopterain Bulgariawas confirmed by our survey. A list of alien leaf-miner moths, review of their spreading pattern and actual population status is presented. The possible threat leafminers to biodiversity and economy of Bulgariais discussed.  

Abstract

Ceroplastes japonicus (Green) is a new insect species in Bulgaria. It identification was for the first time in 2006, from plant material, collected in greenhouses (Sofia). During monitoring in the period 2007-2009 this species was found outdoors only along the Black sea coast, (Sozopol, Burgas and Sunny beach), but nowhere else. We noticed mass outbreaks of C. japonicus mainly on Ilex aquifolium, and also on Laurus nobilis and Citrus sp.

The following conclusions were made based on the three year long studies:

- The plants examined in the studies are an important source tor the introduction of Ceroplastes japonicus in Bulgaria.

- During the course of the studies the species has adapted to the conditions of both the region around Sozopol and more barren areas around Burgas and is able to develop sucessfully there.

Abstract

The subject of the current article is the ichthyofauna and the ichtyocenosis of Ivailovgrad dam. Eleven species of fish have been identified, one of which has been registered for the first time for this dam. Two species of asp fish and eel can be considered extinct since they haven't been caught for the last 30 years. On the basis of the coenosis results the contemporary state of the fishing stocks in Borislavtsi Bay has been established. The rates of growing and predominance have been found, leading to the conclusion that the ecological balance has been seriously disturbed as a result of the illegal catch. The predominant species in the region such as Roach and Dark Vimba are of little value. The commercially important European catfish, Carp and Pikperch have a very irregular size and age structure and make up a small percentage of the total catch. The structure of Vardar Nase has also been disturbed, probably due to changes in the spawn areas. The results of our research lead to the conclusion that a stricter control over the catch must be imposed especially during the spawn season. Dramatic changes have occurred as a result of the cascade of the three dams. They constitute an insurmountable barrier to fish populations and cause for genetic isolation. Lack of fish passages along the river have led to complete disappearance of the asp. and eal. And in a significant reduction of typical reofil species as maritza barbel vardar nase, dark vimba. With the construction of the dam has significantly increased opportunities for the cultivation of valuable species for industrial and sports fishing. These are carp, pikperch, catfish from the natural species and grass carp and silver carp from intoduction.

Abstract

Morphological analysis of specimens of the wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) from agricultural region in Northeastern Bulgaria was carried out. The degree of sexual dimorphism of the studied craniometrical measurements was revealed through: (a) variation flow, (b) assessment of degree of comparative variation and (c) morphological profiles. The obtained results extend the knowledge about population characteristics of the zoo-monitor A. sylvaticus in regard to the assessment of phenotype population variation of the two sexes under agricultural conditions. The established characteristics represented substantial morphological basis for further eco-physiological investigations of this zoo-monitor species in agricultural ecosystems in Bulgaria.

Abstract

Examined is the possibility of using behavior of wild animals as natural mobile sensors for early detection of fires in the natural environment. Described species are suitable for use as bio indicators in determining the different types of fires. There are appropriate methods and systems for collecting and processing information and adoption of decisions on the presence of fire at the initial stage of its development. Assessed the place of the proposed system in an integrated system for early forest fire detection and its ability to use in scientific research and discovery of the sudden death of bio indicators are discussed.

Abstract

The cerambycid fauna (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) of the Vitosha Natural Park and Bistrishko Branishte Biosphere Reserve were examined on the basis of published data and studies in 2008. As a result 101 species were established for the Vitosha Natural Park and twenty two of which were known for the reserve. The species of the park belong to the six Bulgarian subfamilies of Cerambycidae as follows: Prioninae - 1 species, Lepturinae - 34 species, Necydalinae - 2 species, Spondylinae - 7 species, Cerambycinae - 25 species and Lamiinae - 32 species. New larval host plants were defined for 3 species of Cerambycidae as follows: for Rhagium inquisitor - Salix caprea, for Rh. bifasciatum - S. caprea and Prunus avium, for Xylosteus bartoni - Corylus avellana and Betula pendula.

Abstract

Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) is the most frequently used tree species for reclamation of industrial landscapes. As a result of 10-year-long investigations, short analysis has been made of growth in height and thickness of 10 randomly chosen plant communities (biogroups), formed by dominant (DP), co-dominant (CD), middle pressed (MP) and depressed (DP) black locust trees. Studies included observations of mechanical sustainability (Kms) of trees affected by strong winds.

Abstract

The final data resulting from the testing of 10 vegetative generations of white acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) growing on the habitat of average productivity, where chromic luvisoil is available, have been communicated herein, being the above cited off-springs of the most frequent use for a creation of cultures belonging to this species. The selection of the generations has been made in the Northern Bulgaria, during the Eighties years of the Twentieth century. There are 8 of the above said species which have entered the variety network in the Northern Bulgaria.

The best growth, in the conditions where a dry up to a fresh chromic luvisoil is available, has been found out for the generations as flowing: OBRETENIK 4 and PORDIM 12. Similar to the former ones result ORYAHOVO 3 and ORYAHOVO 6 generations. Generations as RYAHOVO 1 and the HUNGARIAN BRANCH NYIRSEGI have shown a moderate growth being their stalks of the highest quality, instead. These generations are appropriate for wood production by local plants of an average productivity, growing on chromic luvisoils.

It is OBRETENIK 4 which is considered the best generation to be used for a raise of the productivity of the acacia cultures onto the local plants of an average productivity grown on chromic luvisoils and for wood production of a better quality. This generation could be registered as a branch after a co-ordination of those results which would be gain from the testing made in the Northern Bulgaria, as well (which will be provided by the Experimental Station of Fast Growing Forest Trees Species in the Town of Svishtov). That will certainly enlarge the possibilities for the use of materials for selection when the white acacia species is grown in Bulgaria. 

Abstract

The development nowadays forestry, tend to dominate the principles of sustainable, multifunctional and adaptive management.

The management of beech forests in the middle of last century is not based on scientific approach and is subject to political situation which do not take into account the multifuctionality of the of these forests. As a result, the structures of beech forests have changed greatly in the direction of simplification.

Contemporary researches on the natural dynamics of beech forests confirm the opinion that they are mostly influenced by small area natural disturbances. It follows that the close to nature management of beech forests should be based on silvicultural systems with natural regeneration in small-size gaps - shelterwood with extended regeneration period and group selection felling.

Abstract

During a survey of the biodiversity of anamorphic fungi on arboreal species in one of the most beautiful parks in our country - Vrana park - in the period 2006-2007 are established 7 new species for Bulgaria: Ascochyta fraxinifolia Siemaszko, A. procencoi Melnik, Asteromella bacterioides (Vuill.) Moesz, A. quercifolii C. Massal., Fusicladium carpophilum (Thum.) Oudem., Microdiplodia tiliae Allesch. and Seimatosporium dacicum (Savul. & Hulea) B. Sutton. Twelve fungus/host combinations, new for the country, are also reported. The correct names of Phoma aliena (Fr.: Fr.) Aa & Boerema and Ph. macrostoma Mont. are given. Short descriptions and illustrations of the species new to Bulgaria are provided on the basis of the researched materials. The investigated specimens are deposited in the Mycological collection of the Institute of Botany (SOMF).

Abstract

Many researchers consider the analysis of plant tissues to be used successfully for the definition of the deficiency of the elements of the plant and from there taking measures for the optimization of the growth environment in one or other direction.

A vessel vegetation experiment with three grass species and on three types of soil substrates has been carried put. The soil used in vertisols - 100 %, mixed with 25 % and 50 % building materials. The vessels are put in 80 % and 50 % irrigational regime. All varieties are in three repetitions. The water regime of the soil is estimated through absorbtion transformers. Four cross sections have been made.

The influence on the irrigational regime and the quantity of the added building materials on the contents and accumulation of basic nutrients in the leaves of Festuca rubra L., Festuca pseudovina Hack and Agrostis alba L. have been estimated.

Abstract

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was finally agreed in Washington DC, on 3 March 1973. It was ratified by the Parliament of Bulgaria in 1991 and published in 1992. The study presents characteristics of the systematic structure and ecological and biological characters of the plants of Bulgarian flora, included in Appendix II of the Convention. Total 7 species belonging to 29 genera and 4 families of Bulgarian flora are protected according to the Convention. The sub-species diversity includes 18 subspecies, 11 varieties and two forms. The plants are classified according to biological types, life form and floristic elements following Walter. Also, information is presented on the distribution of these species in Bulgaria and the ecological groups they belong. The conservation importance of these species is analyzed in national and international context. Full systematic list of the species of Bulgarian flora, protected by Appendix II of the CITES convention is presented.

Abstract

The Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (the Bern Convention) was adopted in Bern, Switzerland on 19.09.1979, and came into force in 1982. It was ratified on 25.11.1991 by the Bulgarian Parliament and published in State Gazette in 1995. The study presents for a first time characteristics of the systematic structure and ecological and biological characters of the plants of Bulgarian flora, included in Appendix I of the Convention, amended on 05.03.1998. It was found that total 51 species belonging to 47 genera and 30 families of Bulgarian flora are protected according to the Convention. The plants are classified according to biological types, life form and floristic elements (following B. Stefanoff and Walter). Also, information is presented on the distribution of these species in Bulgaria and the ecological groups they belong. The conservation importance of these species is analyzed in national and international context. Full systematic list of the species of Bulgarian flora, protected by Appendix I of the Bern convention is presented.

Abstract

The study presents characteristics of the honey plants in the Bulgarian vascular flora. A complete list of the honey plant species occurring naturally in Bulgaria was done based on a critical survey of literature sources. Total 564 species belonging to 232 genera and 75 families are classified into this group. The most represented families and genera are outlined. The species are subdivided into three groups - plants, which are used by bees only for collecting pollen, plants used by bees for collecting nectar, and plants used for both. The full systematic list of the honey plants in Bulgaria is presented here for a first time.

Abstract

The paper presents characteristics of the systematic structure of the vascular flora in Sinite Kamani Nature Park in Eastern Stara planina. A complete list of the indigenous plants in the park was done based on a critical survey of literature sources. According to the data in the list, there are total 993 species in the park, belonging to 430 genera and 96 families. The most represented families and genera are outlined. The distribution of the floristic element is presented as well. Fifty-three species occurring in the park are included in the Red Data Book of Bulgaria: 43 of them with the category "rare" and 10 with the category "threatened by extinction". Forty-two species are protected by the Biodiversity Act of Bulgaria.

Abstract

Chuprene Biosphere Reserve is among the 16 biosphere reserves established in Bulgaria under UNESCO "Man and Biosphere" Programme. Some of the main functions of this protected areacategory are ecological surveys and monitoring of the environment. In the present paper results for macro- and microelement content in soil samples, litter and needles in representative spruce stands were presented and discussed.In addition soil fertility and soil resistance to pollution were assessed. 

Abstract

The flora of the "Swamp near the village of Dolni Bogrov" comprises a total of 176 vascular plants from138 genera and 52 families. The most numerous families are Asteraceae (19), Brassicaceae (15), Fabaceae (14), Poaceae (13), Caryophyllaceae (7), Lamiaceae (7), Rosaceae (7), Apiaceae (6), Cyperaceae (7), and Salicaceae (5). The vegetation in the protected area is dominated by the Phragmitetum, Potamogenetum, and the Myryophylletum water communities.

Abstract

A field exploration in two floristic regions of Bulgaria - Predbalkan (West) and Balkan Range (West) has been carried out in summer 2005. The experimental plots are located in the mountains of Predbalkan (West) - Dragoytsa, Lakavitsa and Balkan Range (West) - Rzhana, Golema, Mala, Sofiyska, Murgash and Bilo. Within the 45 investigated plots 43 plant habitats, belonging to 8 types, were described. The habitats from the following 3 types: 6510, 6210 and 6520 are the most widespread. 23 habitats, more typical for the investigated regions, were described. A high level of biodiversity in the regions was detected which needs conservation. 

Abstract

The object of this research are the oak forests in three mountains in Southwest Bulgaria - Ograjden, Maleshevska mountain and Vlahina. A new syntaxonomic scheme of the communities has been suggested on the basis of 243 phytocoenotic relev's. The paper provides a description of 8 groups in a synoptic table. On the basis of a syntaxonomic analysis 3 of them have been classified to belong to the following associations which have already been described: Querco cocciferae-Carpinetum orientalis Oberdorfer 1948 em. Horvat 1954, Digitali viridiflorae-Quercetum frainetto Gamisans et Herbard 1980, Genisto carinalis-Quercetum petraeae Bergmeier in Bergmeier et Dimopoulos 2008. Two new associations - Cisto incani-Quercetum pubescentis, Cyclamini hederifoli-Quercetum frainett? and three communities - Cephalanthera rubra-Quercus pubescens, Theucrium polium-Quercus pubescens, Vicia cracca-Quercus frainetto are established.

Abstract

The flora of the Kremikovtsi Mine comprises 74 species, 62 genera and 24 families. Asteraceae (24), Poaceae (10) and Fabaceae (5) are the most numerous families. Boraginaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Salicaceae and Scrophulariaceae have 3 species each. Apiaceae, Equisetaceae, Lamiaceae and Polygonaceae have 2 species each. Euphorbiaceae, Juncaceae, Onagraceae, Papaveraceae, Pinaceae, Plantaginaceae, Ranunculaceae, Resedaceae, Rosaceae, Simarubiaceae and Vitaceae have 1 species each.

Abstract

This dendrary is situated within the peripheral sub-region in the Mountain of Strandzha, on the territory of the State Forestry of Tsarevo. Nitrogen and macroelements conets have been examined in the leaves of 16-20-year old tree species as Pinus nigra Arn. ssp. Austriaca Hoss, Pinus nigra Arn. ssp. Iaricio Poiret, Cedrus deodara Loud., Cedrus atlantica Man. Cedrus libani Laws., Cypressus semepervirens L., 3 origins of Quercus petraea Liebl., 4 origins of Quercus robur L., Quercus pubescens Willd., Quercus rubra L., Quercus suber L., Quercus harwissiana Stev., Quercus frainetto Ten., Fagus silvatica L., Fagus orientalis Lipsky and Tilia argentea Desf, within the period as from 2004 up to 2007.

N content in the leaves of the most of the deciduous species is the greatest in June, maintaining comparatively high values in July and gradually lowering in the further months, when the vegetation period occurs. In October, N concentration in the leaves of some of the species drops to a half of its previous value. P2O5 content is at its maximum value in the summer months, keeping its relatively high values by the end of the vegetation period. K2O concentration in the leaves of the most of the species is the highest in August. Ca and Mg contents is characterized by an increase from the beginning to to end of the vegetation period.

N, P2O5 and K2O contents in the coniferous species is about 2 times lower as compared to that one, found out in the leaves of the deciduous species, and it is that same which makes the latter ones more unpretentious to soil fertility. The lowest is the concentration in the needles of the Atlas cedar species (Cedrus atlantica Man.). The highest is the content in the leaves of the silver-leaf lime tree (Tilia argentea Desf.) and in those ones of the oak species growing in the mountain of Strandzha while the lowest one results in the leaves of the corkwood (cork oak). There are also differences observed among the single origins within a definite species.

No significant differences have been found out between the coniferous and deciduous species, as regards to Ca and Mg contents. It has been noted, Mg and Ca concentrations in the cedar needles results twice higher approximately than that one found out in the black pine needles

Abstract

The conditions of the chestnut forests were worsening in a global scale during the last decades. It was manifested in prematurely defoliation, drying-up, development of semiparasites, diseases and pests. It was consider that in Bulgaria the main causes for this were old age, wrong sylviculture management and some diseases - mainly Phytophtora cimiamoni Pand., Ph. cambivora Bnis. and Cryphonectria parasitica Murr. The great number of investigations had been started for the clarifying of the main factors which provoke it. A set of international, regional and national conferences were carried out.

The present research was part of the investigations of the structure of these communities in Bulgaria. The floristic composition of the chestnut communities (Castaneta sativae) along West Balkan mountains was investigated in the present paper. A total of 139 species of vascular plants were described. The structure of the studied flora based on biological type, life form (17) and floristic elements (4) was determined.

The comparative floristic analysis between the chestnut forests in Belasitsa and Slavianka mountain has been made.

GIS was used for mapping and spatial analysis of chestnut formation areas. GIS applications allow performing SQL queries and criteria look-ups and assembling of thematic maps.

Abstract

Secondary succession for the period 1995-2007 has been observed in permanent plots. The following measures were established and analyzed: rate of succession, species composition change and abundance. We found that the species' compositional change is slowing down in time. This process is more obvious in the shrub and perennial groups. Mean abundance through different life forms remains unchanged, excluding perennial herbs, which abundance is significantly lower. As a result of the changing environment, we should expect an increase in shrub and tree abundance and decrease in annual and biennial herbs. Continuous changes in composition and abundance show that the windfall areas are in the establishment phase, which is the first stage of the secondary forest succession. 

Abstract

Plenary lecture representing the history of establsihment and development of the subject "Ecology and environmental protection" in the University of Forestry - Sofia, Bulgaria.