Final press conference of the project TUNS

^{October 23, 2016}

Today 23rd of October was held the final press conference of the project “The unique nature of Strandja – potential for sustainable tourism.” The project was implemented by the Youth Association VERDICO of Tsarevo with Thracian Tourist Association (TTA) of the town of Kırklareli as a coordinator and partner. An extensive statement on the related activities and results was given by Mr. Ali Korur, chairman of TTA. The main results were reported as follows: the activities on building a database with information about the nature of Strandja, on both sides of the border, construction of the project website, where the unique wealth of the mountain is represented. An excellent result can be considered the drafting of tourist guide (manual), describing the most interesting routes in Strandja, on both sides of the border, in a booklet form in English. Within the project two seminars and a round table were organized, with their main focus the unique nature of Strandja and its potential for tourism development in the border region. Further more, for the first time nature lovers and hikers are provided with a tourist map covering both part of the mountain into a single common map. For more details – see the project website: www.tuns.eu.

Organizer: Thracian Tourist Association
Date: 23 October 2016
Place: town of Kirklareli

The Project “The Unique Strandja Nature – potential for sustainable tourism” is co-financed by the EU through IPA Cross-border Programme Bulgaria -Turkey (CCI 2007CB16IPO008 – 3).

 

From the Project team  

 

 

Round table “Factors for Sustainable Tourism in Strandja” in Kirklareli

^{October 23, 2016}

Yesterday, on 22.10.2016, there was conducted a round table under the title “Factors for Sustainable Tourism in Strandja”, the final event under the project” The unique nature of Strandja – potential for sustainable tourism. The event was held in Hotel “ROYAL” (KIRKLARELİ BİLGİÇ).

After opening remarks by the Chairman of TTA – Mr. Ali Korur, several presentations linked to the future of tourism in the region were made. Key presenters were as follows:

Nazir Karacam – “From Legends to our days”. Mr. N. KARACAM is a leading local researcher and presented the potential of the region from a historical perspective (history of the area / from ancient times to the present day). Mr. M.SAYGIN presented also the great potential of the riparian (longos) forests of National Park “Igneada”. He drew attention to the risks and threats to the wealth of this part of Strandja, the main threats being the disposal of waste in the lakes, diverting of water from the local population, the yield of stone etc. and on the ideas for the development of energy sector in the area.

About the forestry resources spoke Fikri ERBAŞ, former director of the Forestry – Kırklareli. On the whole the Turkish tourist community and the local population take very seriously the environmental threats coming from various investment plans such as extraction of inert materials / thermal power plant – Ineada – there is a lawsuit in progress with the government for the development of the nuclear power plant project; Poaching remains a major threat – the population of wild pigs is greatly increased, at the expense of the endangered representatives of forest fauna – the roe and the deer.

The last presentation was made Dr. ALİ ÇAKIR from Edirne University.

Organizer: Thracian Tourist Association
Date: 22 October 2016
Place: town of Kirklareli

The Project “The Unique Strandja Nature – potential for sustainable tourism” is co-financed by the EU through IPA Cross-border Programme Bulgaria -Turkey (CCI 2007CB16IPO008 – 3).

 

From the Project team  

 

 

The number of the tourist in Strandja is decreasing

^{21 October, 2016}

The tourists in Strandja have decreased this year, announced the director of the Natural Park Strandja Eng. Dimo Dimov. According to him, one of the main problems is that tourists do not stay here for a night. “They come with the tours, go round Strandja, visit the Brashlyan village, the village of Mladezhko, visit our paths and leave. It’s tourism on wheels”, he commented. The tourists were mostly organized by tour operators and almost are not leaving money in the region. The most attractive and famous among tourists are the villages of Brashlyan and Mladezhko. There are between 200 and 250 people a day out there. In recent months there has been a more pronounced decline among tourists in Strandja.
Probably this situation is influenced and because of the fact that all the accommodation in the area was given to the border police and troops, which guard the border of the ever-increasing stream of refugees, FOCUS informs. Thus tourists who wanted to stay in the area remained without an option to find a place to stay.

Source: http://tourbg.net/2016

Round table “Cultural Heritage of Black Sea Strandja through the eyes of researchers”

^{October 19, 2016}

Round table on “Cultural Heritage of Black Sea Strandja through the eyes of researchers” took place in Ahtopol. It was dedicated to the longtime head of the Centre for Underwater Archaeology in Sozopol Hristina Angelova. The meeting was organized by “Black Strandzha” Association and its Chairman Eng. Petar Kanev.

At the beginning of the forum the Assoc. Prof. Kalin Dimitrov, head of the Center for Underwater Archaeology, introduced his report “Hristina Angelova – researcher and friend” and recalled the enormous contributions of the prominent Bulgarian researcher for the development of science. He emphasized her role in the organization and implementation of the large-scale marine archaeological project, which has been implemented for two years in the Black Sea. It was proposed that the Centre for Underwater Archaeology in Sozopol to develop into a national one and to be named after Hristina Angelova. During the conference the Assoc. Prof. Dimitrov presented to the audience his study on a shipwreck happened during the Ottoman period in the southern Gulf of Kiten. Interesting data for the most recent geophysical surveys on the southern Black Sea presented Kiril Velkovski. In his words, the research conducted proves with certainty that the sea level was once considerably lower than the present. And much of what is now under water before it was land. Prof. Ivan Karayotov gave an account of the underwater archaeological research at the mouth of Ropotamo River. Assoc. Prof. Peter Leshtakov presented the latest data on discoveries related to the archaeological map of Sozopol. He recounted the development of the ancient metallurgy in the area and for the newly discovered, over the last few years, prehistoric settlements near the seaside town. Daniela Agre, archaeologist, shared details about the activities at the archaeological site in Sinemorets, and Stanimir Stoychev presented the report “Archaeological studies of Ahtopol (2016)”. The forum was attended by Valcho Cholakov, governor of the district of Burgas, Assoc. Prof. and Deputy Minister of Culture Boni Petrunova and Stanislav Dimitrov, mayor of Ahtopol.
“I appeal to everyone, let’s make efforts to get ahead of construction”, said Assoc. Prof. Petrunova. “The local authorities and construction companies often try to prevent the realization of archaeological research”, she added. And explained that in many cases construction works are started at a particular land plot on the grounds there are no evidence of archaeological sites on it. The Assoc. Prof. Boni Petrunova appealed to her colleagues to make effort for the as detailed and comprehensive as possible coverage of the collected information for each land plot in the existing information registers.

Source: Association “Black Sea Strandja”, http://www.burgasnews.com/

 

29th September 2016

New Public Advisory Board has been elected in the Directorate of Strandja Nature Park. It includes public figures, representatives of state and municipal authorities in Strandja park, the directors of the 5 State forestries in Malko Tarnovo, Zvezdets, Kosti, Gramatikovo and Tsarevo. The membership includes more business reprsentatives and environmentalists. The chairman of PAB (Public Advisory Board) by law is the director of Strandja Nature Park and now it is Eng. Dimo Dimov.

The newly elected Public Advisor updated the Rules of procedure as it was adopted the recoveries are not less than three times a year. The new moment in the Rules is the ability for the members to express their opinions electronically.

Source: NPD “Strandja”

 

Without cars and caravans to Mladezhka river

28th September 2016

Access of cars and caravans to natural landmark “The Sources of Mladezhka River” is limited. They can be left in the separate parking lot before crossing the river. This seeks to protect forest areas from fires and illegal logging, as well as protecting the wildlife. The restriction was introduced by an order of the Director of RFD-Burgas Eng. Venelin Radkov. It is assigned to the Directorate of Strandja Nature Park to denote the natural landmark with relevant barriers and signs without compromising the free movement of people and animals.

This is one of the most picturesque areas of Strandja located near the village of Mladezhko, which is located 7 km on the west from the main road Burgas – Malko Tarnovo, 50 km from Bourgas and 32 km from Malko Tarnovo. The natural landmark is located in the village Bliznak (Malko Tarnovo Municipality). It has an area of 24.35 hectares and covers highly slashed karst with several caves and karst springs in the area Kale near Mladezhko village.

Source: http://www.burgasnews.com/novini-burgas/105334-bez-leki-koli-i-karavani-do-r-mladezhka

 

World Tourism Day – “Tourism for All”!

27th September 2016

Today is the International Day of Tourism. Traditionally, September 27, World Tourism Organization celebrates World Tourism Day, and this year’s motto is “Tourism for All”.

The initiative this year is to create an environment that covers the needs of us all, nevertheless we travel or stay at home. Sooner or later, but at some point in our lives, we all benefit of universal accessibility in tourism – disadvantaged groups, families with small children or the aging population.

That is why we want to call on all citizens to learn about the beauty and diversity of our world. Help us spread the importance and benefits that the universal accessibility brings to society on this year’s World Tourism Day!

World Tourism Day is celebrated on September 27 in order to inform the community about the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value. This date is put in the official calendar of the UN and the celebration strives to highlight the tourisms potential to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, addressing some of the most pressing challenges that the world faces these days.

Source: http://wtd.unwto.org/

 

Honey from Kosti village has astonished Italians

25th September 2016

From 22^nd to 26^th of September in the Italian city of Turin a culinary exhibition “Terra Madre Salone del Gusto” took part. It is where the state forestry of Kosti village presents honeydew, the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds announced. This is a special honey, and while it is produced the habitats of lesser spotted eagle has been protected – deciduous oak woods between two of the oldest reserves in Bulgaria – “Silkosia” and “Uzunbodzhak” which are of the largest deciduous forest massifs in Europe. This happens through conservation of forests and also with maintenance of open space in the forest areas important to the livelihood of the bird. Forestry activities in that territory are limited, which would lead to losses for the holding, which is offset by the sale of honey dew. Currently the State Forestry – Kosti, manages 130 beehives located in open forest areas using the unique characteristics of Strandja forests. Thus the alternative use of forests is promoted through the production of non-timber forest products. Honey production in Strandja forestry is supported by the project “Eagle Forests”, financed by the LIFE + Program of the EU, whose partners are Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds and the National Forestry. The project will allow the State Forestry Kosti to expand and transform the traditional collection of honey in certified organic production.

The exhibition “Terra Madre Salone del Gusto” in Turin is among the most important international events dedicated to food and gastronomy, which was attended by exhibitors from around the world. The richness and diversity of world cuisine is represented by numerous events, including schools of cooking, educational activities for children and families, winery, cinema, food community forums Terra Madre, conferences on issues related to food production, biodiversity conservation and many others. The theme this year is “Earth Love”.

Source: Project “Eagle Forests”

 

Burgas area becomes the tourist area “South Coast”

20th September 2016

12 of 13 mayors from Burgas regional municipalities shook hands on creating a tourist area “South Coast”. Inaugural ceremony was held today in Burgas and only from Sozopol a representative was not sent and the organizers were not informed that nobody would attend. The idea of the Management Organization of the Tourist area (MOTA) is all the municipalities in Burgas to develop a joint tourist product that will be offered to various tourism where the municipalities will participate, both at home or abroad. This will fill the existing gaps in marketing and the destination management between municipalities and the Ministry of Tourism. It will also bring together the resources of the different municipalities – they will be advertised as a whole, but each place in the area will offer its own tourist products.

Source: Municipality of Burgas

 

Burgas area becomes the tourist area “South Coast”

29th August 2016

Fig Ficus Carica, aged more than 250 years and tested in 1987 by a scientific team at Agricultural Academy – Sofia, grows in the neighborhood “Vasiliko” in Tsarevo. Fig (Ficus carica) is the genus Ficus and belongs to the family Mulberry (Moraceae), that belongs to the known mulberry, which is one of the ancient cultivated plants. It is named after the place which is considered its homeland – the ancient region of Caria in Asia Minor. In the IX century BC the fig tree appeared in Greece, and the New World was conquered by the delicious fruit later in the XVI century. In Bulgaria fig tree ripens in early autumn and the harvest is done in several stages, depending on its purpose of consumption – drying, cooking, being eaten fresh.

Source: National Geographic Bulgaria

 

Tsarevo – the heart of the southern Black Sea coast

25th August 2016

Tsarevo municipality combines the beauty of Strandja, beaches and authentic ritualsthat were preserved in the villages of its territory.

This is what makes the most southern seaside municipality the heart of the new tourist area “South Coast,” said the mayor of Tsarevo Eng. George Lapchev. According to him, the merging of the 13 municipalities in this region will help in creation of a common product that will attract more tourists.

According to the concept of the Ministry of Tourism, the country will be divided into 9 regions. Burgas region will be united in the smallest region called “South Coast”. The municipalities of the region will be part of it, the mayors will join the organization of its management. The adviser of the Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Tourism Committee of the Municipal Council of Burgas, Zhivko Tabakov, introduced the concept of the tourist area in front of the mayors of Burgas.

“The town is among the six seaside communities that has solid experience in the development of tourism. Besides that it owns the largest seashore area, over the years it has managed to preserve the authentic Bulgarian customs that are of a high interest for our foreign visitors. Only 17 km from Tsarevo – in Bulgari village the only folklore reserve in Strandja is situated and it is famous for its custom Nestinarstvo. This spectacular dance is performed in very few places in Bulgaria, so Tsarevo municipality can only be proud of that. Traditionally in August in the seaside town the Festival of honeydew and fish fest is held and huge numbers of visitors come and this indicates that the management thinks for the development of a quality and attractive tourist product”, said Zhivko Tabakov.

“The key for a good tourism is to have movement of people and of course these people will be returning to places that most strongly impressed them, as they bring friends to show what they saw in the South Coast” accounts Eng. George Lapchev. According to him, the unification of Burgas municipality will make them more attractive to foreign tourists who want to learn more for the sea and the mountains, and for archaeological sites in the southeast part of Bulgaria. This, according to the mayor of Tsarevo will lead to more tourists in the region.

Tsarevo Municipality will participate in the tourist area “South Coast” with the longest seashore. Ahotopol, Sinemorets and Brodilovo are very attractive because of the archaeological sites on their territories. For the recent years the local government has begun building of museums to make the preserved artefacts, history and ancient customs more accessible for visitors.

Tsarevo municipality has been an established seaside destination for decades. Here, however, ecological tourism, rural and cultural tourism have also been developing. Various festivals have additional value to the product that is developed by the local administration. During the summer season, the southernmost seaside municipality increases its population to 230 thousand people. Annually it is visited by around 1 million tourists.

Lack of Master Plan remains one of the main obstacles to tourism development. “Another reason that could be an obstacle is the unrealized project for a four-lane road Sozopol – Tsarevo, which is absolutely essential. Just for one day in the peak season, the number of the cars at the entrance of Tsarevo municipality exceeds 25,000. This is a sufficient indicator that shows, it is high time to develop the project, ” explained Eng. George Lapchev.

Source: http://www.gramofona.com/

 

New map of Strandja and the coast

22nd August 2016

Bulgarian Cartographic Association has announced the release of the first tourist map of Strandja coast and its corresponding European cartographic standard. The fishing village near Burgas is marked. It is distributed with a circulation of 5,000 copies. The first copies were handed to Dimitar Yanchev – Chairman of the association “Sea Accord.” In the new editions the fishing village will be represented by a separate information box, as a significant cultural attraction on the southern coast. Burgas candidacy “Knitting fishing tackle – longlines, nets and pots: millennial craft of Burgas bay” for UNESCO, can now be localized on the European map.

In ancient tradition, cartographers received their status from sovereign and their representations have always had a prescribed value and norm. Not accidentally, the United Nations in New York, has a special cartographic department and collection. We will recall that just a year ago, it was renovated and completed with a generous donation of Bulgarian Cartographic Association, forwarded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Source:  http://bnr.bg/burgas/post/100728845/nova-karta-na-strandja-i-kraibrejieto

 

The unique Strandja might be the pearl of the tourist area South Coast.

18th August 2016

The mayors of Burgas region work together on development of tourism in the region.

The concept of the ministry provides 13 municipalities in Burgas to be part of one tourist area “South Coast”.

Although it will be the youngest of the nine separate regions, “South Coast” is the most recognizable. Here tourism in its various forms has developed extremely strong. The idea of involving the mayors to the Management Organization of the Tourist Region was accepted by all.

“This new concept provides a good opportunity for advertising and coherence between all of us and there is now hope for the smaller municipalities like ours that the problems hindering the development of tourism, will look differently –they are already regional level problems,” said Mayor of Malko Tarnovo Ilian Yanchev.

Strandja is one of the most popular tourist destinations. In Malko Tarnovo for years it has been worked for the promotion of various routes related to the history and cultural heritage of Bulgaria. Malko Tarnovo is one of the municipalities that has been working for years with other local administrations. The project of Burgas Municipality “The magic of antiquity and nature beauty from Burgas Bay to Strandja” has united Malko Tarnovo, Sredetz, Kameno and Primorsko. This is how the municipalities managed to create a joint tourist product and this allows them to participate in various international fairs and exhibitions.

“Malko Turnovo municipality has serious potential to develop rural tourism, and this has been proven over the years. However, we do not exclude the possibility of a larger presentation and development of hunting tourism in the region through to the Management Organization of the Tourist Region. Currently hunting tourism globally established itself as one of the most popular and the most lucrative, too. Let us not forget that Malko Tarnovo is one of the potential partners in the field of cross-border cooperation between Bulgaria and Turkey, which is another plus, “said Zivko Tabakov – Advisor to the Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Tourism Committee at the Municipal Council in Burgas .

Residents of Malko Tarnovo are proud to have managed to preserve the authentic life, culture and history of the region. For this it is difficult to determine what exactly set Strandja among the unique tourist destinations, commented Ilian Yanchev.

Preserved churches and chapels with national prerevival architecture are a good ground for the development of pilgrimage tourism, says Mayor of Malko Tarnovo.

One of the most significant sites in Malko Tarnovo municipality are places of worship in Mishkova field, mound necropolis in Propada, solar circles in Kamaka, rock consecrated ground in the area Indipascha, cave of St. Marina near Slivarovo village, chapel on cave ‘ St. Trinity “near Vizitsa village. Here is the historical place Petrova Niva, where the decision for Ilinden-Preobrazhenie uprising was made.

” Brashlyan village is an architectural reserve with over 80 houses monuments, restored monastery school and church with sacrificial altar built in the pulpit, dedicated to Zeus – Dionysus. I can enumerate a lot more for a long time, however, the prioritization becomes more difficult. I hope the resources of each municipality to be marked precisely and to be used in the common cause more accurately, “said Ilian Yanchev.

One of the main problems for the development of tourism remains the poor roads. For a small municipality of Malko Tarnovo, maintenance of the infrastructure is beyond the possibilities of the local administration. The road connecting Malko Tarnovo with Tsarevo is a pain for both municipalities, admitted Ilian Yanchev. Despite the difficulties, the municipality manages to attract more than 10,000 tourists a year.

Source: http://www.gramofona.com/

 

Park “Strandja” offers available paths, shelters and drinking fountains for adoption

16th August 2016

Park “Strandja” turns 21 years. During this period a significant infrastructure was built in the park and it is used by thousands of tourists and visitors of the park. Dozens of shelters near attractive sites were created, dozens of routes were marked, and dozens of fountains were restored and renovated. For visitors information hundreds of informational signs with educational, cognitive and target information for protected areas, natural monuments, rare and protected species, tourism and interpretive trails were put in the park. Following the passage of aging, over time of what was built in the park or the damaged infrastructure by vandalizing, the responsibility for carrying out repairs and restoration work is to the Directorate of the park. In pursuance of this activity, inventory of damaged information signs, shelters, and other elements of tourist routes was carried out in order to improve the tourism and information environment on the territory of the protected area. Despite  the limited funding, NPD seeks all opportunities for this task such as sponsorship by supporting environmental organizations, the forest department, state forest enterprises or by “adoption” of tourist routes from supporting organizations or with an interest in tourism development. This is the practice in many countries and our confidence is that we will find support in tourist circles and nature-loving entrepreneurs.

Dear friends, entrepreneurs, like-minded people, we heavily rely on your outstretched hand. Here are a few phones which you can call not only to help but also to give signals for irregularities or to suggest what more could be made for the vast park area of NP “Strandja”:

Eng. Dimo Dimov – 0889630131

Dr. Diko Patronov – 0886012259

Eng. Stefan Zlatarov 887710686

 

Source: NPD “Strandja”

 

Summer Cultural Festivals

08th August 2016

Summer Cultural Festivals begin in Malko Tarnovo. Their opening is on August 22 with a concert of Burgas orchestra on “Preobrazhenie” Square, followed by festive fireworks. Over the next six days, from 9 am until late night organizers offer a very interesting program, combining the traditions of folk art and modern entertainment of any kind. On Tuesday morning, hiking to Valchanov bridge goes ahead but for those who are lazier there are two art workshops on the square of Malko Tarnovo. The evening concert “Voices of Strandja” is with the participation of the orchestra “Zharava” Lazarus Nalbantov, Miglena Dzhelezova, folk groups “Magda Pushkarova” and “Filek”, dance ensemble “Zornitsa”. Wednesday classes for the youngest are still in the same place – the Central Square, and adventurers can embark on a get-to-know trip to the Thracian sanctuary in Kamaka area (Markov stone) and visit the center of Strandja Nature Park in Gramatikovo village.

Source: Municipality of Malko Tarnovo

 

Bulgaria will try to protect with a geographical name the honeydew from Strandja

04th August 2016

There is a great possibility for Strandja honey dew to be registered as a protected designation of origin. This became clear during the visit of Minister of Agriculture and Food Desislava Taneva in Tsarevo, who opened the festival dedicated to this product. The procedure in the Ministry itself has been nearly completed, said the Minister and pointed out that she proposed this procedure in order the honey to acquire a larger market.

With the registration of Strandja honey dew, Strandja will become an industrial zone of honey production, said Manol Todorov, chairman of the beekeeping association “Strandja honey dew” during the Festival, quoted by “Focus” agency.

This year’s harvest of Strandja honey dew is with very good quality, but the quantity is small, the manufacturers have indicated. Around 4.300 million Levs is the resource that is available to the sector “Beekeeping” this year, said Taneva. Taneva announced that European Commission has authorized Bulgaria for the Programme for Rural Development to finance environmental projects for the production of honey. They provide mobile apiaries to be located in areas protected by NATURA 2000. Subsidies are expected to be at 15.37 euros on a bee family. Now it is forthcoming to identify the mobile hives on new rules and from the next year the owners can practically apply.

 

The Anchor museum – on the track of time

1st August 2016

In the southernmost town located on the Black Sea coast – Ahtopol, there is a relatively young but interesting and rich with artifacts and perfect arrangement Museum – “History of the Anchor.” The exhibition is designed as a public collection of the association “Strandja Black Sea”, chaired by Eng. Petar Kanev. Scientific project management is entrusted to the historian PhD Atanas Orachev. What does the museum exhibition contain?

Large anchors located in lawns that are mainly from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries – notes Dr. Orachev. – The internal exposition tells the very history of the anchor. There are virtually all variations of this basic marine facility that are found in the Black Sea from the middle of the second millennium BC to the first half of the twentieth century. Over the display windows and on podium you can see various artifacts from shipwrecks. The collection has been collected for six years and it is one of the largest in the world as types of varieties. The findings are actually from the water areas between Cape Maslen and Rezovo. This coast was the most dangerous for shipping in the Black Sea.

Besides anchors and their remnants, many coins and other objects have been found in the waters of the Black Sea. The museum has a collection that presents the history of Ahtopol and its inhabitants. Looking at the exhibition, visitors can be informed in three languages: Bulgarian, English and Russian. The museum is the first public collection created in Bulgaria. It is funded entirely by donors.

 

Healing spring at the altar of a monastery

31st July 2016

Large-beech monastery “St. Petka (Life reception source) ” attracts with its healing power. At the altar there is a holy spring “Life reception source.” Water is miraculous and cure many diseases.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Great-beech monastery is the only survivor and an active men’s monastery in Strandja. It is located 4 km east of the village of Golyamo Bukovo (called Kodzha beech until 1934) and 50 km south of Burgas. The monastery is located in one of the least visited parts of Strandja in pretty wild and thinly populated area.

The spring water

On Bright Friday it is a church holiday (the first Friday after Easter), when pilgrims from home and abroad come attracted by the healing power of the spring. “Life reception source” treats kidney, liver, gallbladder, infertility, neurosis. Living water returns eyesight. Some time ago Easter gathering took place at which girls played graceful folk dances,  grandmothers went round with candles to keep the girls safe. Cloister is supported by the priest Evtimij, who has been living there since he was 20. The church, the residential building and the mural paintings are renewed.

Some time ago a Russian prophetess predicted that the monastery will strike a bell. The bell ringing has already been echoing in Strandja. It is a gift of the Czech scientist Dr. Peter Lechner, who heard about the unusual spring while he was on vacation at sea. The water healed him from a serious illness and he donated the bell.

Cosmic energy impact

The famous scientist Michael Geyler of the Moscow Center for Traditional Medicine in 1992 measured the energy area and found out that after the Himalayas the temple in Golyamo Bukovo is the second cosmic energy radiation area in the world.

The monastery was built in the XII century over an ancient temple. From the Sinai Mountain Gregory Sinait came down. He is a man who had dreamed the healing Strandja spring. He set off by ship from Istanbul to Sozopol, entered in the mountain and founded a monastery. He asked for support from Tsar Ivan Alexander. St. Theodosius Tyrnovski joined the monks of “Life reception source” having left the senior public office position in the palace, and St. Romylos Vidinski from Parorian Monastery” St. Gregory Sinait”- this is the cradle of hesychastic movement existed until XIVcentury when it was destroyed by the Turks.

Life-reception temple was rebuilt in 1873 by Costa Yanov from Golyamo Bukovo. He had been long suffering and once he dreamed St. Marian who ordered him to found the mysterious place “Golemiyat Zmiylak” near Osman Bair. The sick man followed the advice of the Mother of God and he washed with the water and finally he was healed. During the construction an iron cross was discovered, brass censer, marble slab “Holy See”. In 1903, the monk Guy acquired 1016 acres of land. Wealthy and strengthened, monastery got new outbuildings.

Source: www.lekuva.net

 

Strandja Honeydew Festival

30th July 2016

Strandja Honeydew Festival and bee pollens “Tsarevo – the kingdom of honey dew” will be held in Tsarevo from 1^st to 10^th August. The official opening of the twelfth festival is at 10:00 am on August 1 in the center of Tsarevo. The event will be attended by Minister Desislava Taneva, Mayor of Tsarevo Municipality eng.Georgi Lapchev, Kirilka Yanina, Head of “Bee, Milk and Interventions,” Anna Petrova Principal Expert of “Initial Aid for Young Farmers”, Irina Lazarova – Director of “Agricultural Market Mechanisms” (AMM), Sylvia Vaslileva – Head of “Breeding and Genetic Resources” and others.

The exhibition is held every year. Beekeepers from around the country will participate in the event, who will present all kinds of bee products to residents and visitors of Tsarevo during the festival days. The festival of honey dew will continue until August 10 in Tsarevo.

Honeydew is produced mostly in Strandja because of the favorable weather conditions in this part of the country. It is a product prepared from the mildew on the leaves of oak and linden tree, hence the name “honeydew.” This mildew is obtained with the help of insects, which pierce the plant foliage. Insects eat a part of the sweet juice that is expiring, and the rest retains on the leaves in a form of sticky liquid. When near the bees there are no nectar plants they collect the mildew and make honey. Honeydew is known for its beneficial properties. It is rich in minerals, carbohydrates, vitamins, monosaccharides, folic acid.

“TSAREVO – THE KINGDOM OF HONEYDEW”

Tsarevo municipality, association “Strandja honeydew”, “Agriculture” Regional Department – Bourgas

Press conference organizers and participants in the festival. Meeting of Minister Desislava Taneva with beekeepers and representatives of the state institutions.

Irina Lazarova – Director of “Agricultural Market Mechanisms”

Kirilka Yanina – Head of “Bee, Milk and Interventions”

Anna Petrova – Principal Expert of measure 6.1.”Initial Aid for Young Farmers”

Sylvia Vaslileva – Head of “Breeding and Genetic Resources”

Vanya Statkova – Principal Expert of Department “Direct Payments and Quality Schemes”

Registration of Strandja honeydew as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI).

 

Teeth of cave bear found in Strandja

08th July 2016

Teeth of cave bear have been found for the first time on the territory of Strandja Mountain. The remains were found a few days ago, said biologist Stoyan Yordanov from Ecoassociation “Agalina.” While doing monitoring of bats in the mountains, Yordanov with his colleagues Gani and Emil Zorvaryan encountered the remains – six teeth in a heavily accessible corridor of Bratanova cave. According to them precisely because of the inaccessibility of the corridor, the remains have survived. Eight years ago, again in Bratanova cave only one tooth of a cave bear was discovered, but then the discovery looked futile because it was a single finding. For the currently found remains it is believed to belong to several copies. This shows that thousands of years ago these majestic animals had lived here. Cave Bear is a disappeared representative of the family bears that lived in Europe during the Pleistocene. The species was extinct in the beginning of the last ice age, about 27,500 years ago. The name “cave” stems from the fact that fossils of this kind have been found mostly in caves and points out that this kind had been spending more time in the caves than the brown bear, which uses caves only for hibernation. As a result, from the time being, entire segments of the bones and substantially whole skeletons have been found in many caves.

Source: http://www.dnes.bg   

 

September 3 to 4, ULTRA TRIATHLON “Lionheart” STRANDJA

02 July 2016

3 km swimming, 115 km mountain bike, 18 km run. This will be the test, the participants in the “Lionheart” have to pass, on 3 and 4 September. It is the first ultra cross triathlon, held in Bulgaria, and the mystical Strandja Mountain was chosen to be the venue, including some of its most interesting historical sites and districts.

The format ultra triathlon is new to the country. The triathlon volume is repeatedly increased than the traditional three stages, making the race a real test for physics and will of the participants. To finish successfully, athletes will have to travel 136 km route with an overall positive displacement of 2336 meters. Base camp of “Lionheart” and the starting point for the three disciplines will be Pearl beach near Primorsko. Right there, in the Gulf, the test of endurance will start with the first challenge – swimming. The next is cycling, as the route of Pearl continues through the villages Pismenovo, Zabernovo, along Veleka river, Kachul area and then to Kosti, Bulgari and Fazanovo to finish again in Primorsko. And finally – running that moves north to Cape Maslen, Begliktash, Bay St. Paraskeva, Lion’s Head and finally to beach Pearl.

The Ultra Triathlon carries a name inspired by one of the landmarks of Strandja and the surrounding area of Primorsko – “Lion’s Head”. It is emblematic for the region and all the participants who reach the final stage of the race will pass near it – running in the magical reserve “Ropotamo”. “With this event we want to take the contestants out of ‘comfort zone’ of roads and exhaust gases and to put them in one of the purest and wild mountains of Bulgaria.” – Philip Shavov tells about the race and the track – one of the organizers of the “Lionheart. ” Besides the opportunity to touch to some of the most impressive and mystical parts of the mountain and to challenge themselves and other competitors, participants in the “Lionheart” will have another serious incentive ,to show the best of themselves. The prize fund of the event is very attractive and has a total value of 5,000 levs. It will be distributed among the top five finishers in each category. Meanwhile all other contestants will receive T-shirts, first aid kits and nutritional supplements for recovery. For those who reach the final, there will be medals. The enrollment has already begun and the call is addressed to all Bulgarian and foreign athletes and amateurs, who want to put them on endurance test, but also to experience the beauty of the magic Strandja Mountain.

Source: http://tourbg.net

 

Strandanski-Sakar collection has been recovered

10th June 2016

At the beginning of the summer research season, there will be held an open session of the Editorial Board of the Strandja-Sakar collection. For the uninitiated ones we announce that the collection is one of the few interdisciplinary scientific periodicals in the country. It was founded by the famous Bulgarian scientist prof. Alexander Fol in the 90 years of the last century. It is issued in Malko Tarnovo, which is the reason the town was inscribed in the world reference library.

Traditionally, in Strandja most of its founders will gather together, including: Eng. Petar Kanev – today an MP from Burgas region, public figures as: Dr. Todorka Murdjeva, Tzena Koseva, Dr. Peter Peykov, Slava Yordanova and the publisher Dr. Stefan Peykov. Three of the founders of the collection, which is referenced by many libraries in the world, will not attend the meeting in the “mountain of eternal return.” These are prof. Alexander Fol, Iliya T. Petkov and prof. Krumka Sharova. They left us significant work that needs to be continued.

To participate in the reconstruction of the only multi-volume scholarly journal devoted to the municipalities located along the Bulgarian-Turkish border a wide range of adherents and users will be invited . These are mayors, representatives of universities and research institutes – participants in the program, leading scientists, MPs, local cultural and scientific intelligentsia. The aim is to encourage and continue the undoubtedly beneficial presence of Bulgarian science in this part of the country to the new conditions and geopolitical situation.

Fast and effective access of Bulgarian municipalities from Strandja-Sakar region to research products that can be a source of development – this is the new task put before the restored edition, to ensure European and national funding through developing projects. It is intended to issue  thematic volumes, supporting the development of border municipalities of Tsarevo, Malko Tarnovo, Burgas, Sredets, Bolyarovo, Elhovo, Harmanli, Lyubimets, Svilengrad and Ivaylovgrad.

The Editorial Board will be completed and its chairman elected. The agenda of the meeting is the issue of Volume V, Book 1, dedicated to the “The FOREST – a bridge between the generations.”

It is expected to be decided – in any future volumes of the edition to be published a memorial box with text for the contribution of the collection founders.

During the meeting it was introduced a new address to the extremely rich fund of the Research Program “Strandja-Sakar ‘in support of regional economic development. This is the largest and most far-sighted Bulgarian scientific initiative for the state territory, now a border of the European Union.

Source: http://www.flagman.bg/article/101727

 

Strandja lurks a reserve at the age of 83 in their bosom

29th May 2016

Today it is celebrated 83 years since the announcement of the first reserve in Bulgaria – “Silkosia” which is located in the Nature Park “Strandja”. This happened on June 29, 1933 by royal decree № 8485. The reasons of this decision are described “… due to particularly valuable and rare forestry species, as well as the typical shrubby and herbaceous vegetation that represent huge interest Dendrologic, floristic, phytogeographic and ecological point of view …”

Source: NPD Strandja

 

Museum in Primorsko

26th May 2016

The museum is highly anticipated by the locals. In 2014 in the building of the municipality of Primorsko, it was opened a temporary exhibition of artifacts that have been found in the recent years in the course of archaeological excavations in the area. The aim of this exhibition was to expand its frames and to grow in the Municipal Historical Museum. The building, which is set for the museum is the former public bath of Primorsko. Historical Museum Primorsko aims to expose the oldest and the latest findings of the ongoing archaeological excavations on the territory of Primorsko. The exhibited artifacts are materials of the fortress wall on”Urdoviza” Peninsula, a burial mound in the area “Chenger”, Thracian Sanctuary “Beglik Tash” and dolmens located around it. Honour for the locals is that Primorsko Historical Museum presents a number of valuable exhibits and collections of other museums in the country – National History Museum, Regional History Museum – Burgas, Municipal Cultural Institute and Centre for Underwater Archaeology – Sozopol. Cultural valuables are presented by private donors. All the submitted pieces were found near the coastal mountain slopes and the water area of Primorsko Municipality. The exhibition is rich and interesting for all visitors who appreciate and take interest in the most ancient history to today. Besides archeology, the museum has an ethnographic collection, which provides visitors with information about the life and lifestyle of people of several generations backwards. There are exhibited costumes, everyday objects, tools, utensils and many other interesting, especially for foreigners, everyday objects of our ancestors. The museum expects to receive and preserve cultural values of different ages, donated by the locals who have been keeping them at home so far. Its mission is to preserve, display and explore values, with the aim of cultural enrichment of all the visitors. Besides the exposure in the museum, people will be directed to some basic and interesting historical sites of the municipality of Primorsko that can be visited if they show some interest. These are the Thracian Sanctuary “Beglik Tash”, the fortress “Vulchanovo Kale”, located above the Ropotamo river and others.

Source: Primorsko municipality

 

Newfound field of Strandja blueberry

21st May 2016

Dr. Diko Patronov: Shrubs have been found in “Sminenovo”area and in “Vitanovo” reserve –”Cold Water” area near the town of Malko Tarnovo. The expedition consisted of me and the head of division Grud Pavlov of the State Forestry- Malko Tarnovo. This is an extraordinary event, included on the agenda of NPD and it confirms our expectations for a wider spread of the Strandja blueberry. Including today’s findings of Strandja blueberries, the total area of east-beech forest with blueberry reach about 300ha.This type of forest is protected under the European Directive for priority forests – only represented for Europe in Strandja. It is found in the high mountains – over 400 metres above the sea level in the territory of the State Forestry Malko Tarnovo. Along with the Strandja blueberry in the undergrowth of the forest there are evergreen laurel, holly and wildly tree. The east-beech forest with Strandja blueberry occupies shady moist and slightly enlightened ravines – from Gramatikovo and Slivarovo to Malko Tarnovo and Brashlyan. We will continue to seek new fields to preserve this unique bush. For Strandja blueberry in 1938 akad.Daki Yordanov wrote that “… in the coming decades some of Strandja flora may disappear like yew and Strandja ( Caucasian) Blueberry” because of the human activities – logging and grazing! And he was right! If we have in mind where the blueberry fields have left, we should (in his memory) merge many forestry efforts and professionalism, in order to prove he was wrong!

Source: NPD “Strandja”

 

Seminar “The Unique Natural Heritage of Strandja” in Kirklarely

16th May 2016

On May 14 to 15 in Kırklareli town a seminar “The Unique Natural Heritage of Strandja” took place within the project “The Unique Strandja Nature – potential for sustainable tourism.” Lead partner is the Youth Association VERDICO – Tsarevo and a partner Thracian Tourist Association (TTA) of Kırklareli town. The seminar was organized by the Turkish partner TTA. The seminar was held at the following program: Presentation on “Biodiversity in Strandja region – Turkey” from Dr. M.Saygan – Anatolian University. The lecturer presented the phenomenal nature of “Forest Reserve Ineada – Province Kırklareli” – applying for the status of a Biosphere Park under the auspices of UNESCO. Rare dense formations extends on an area of 3155 ha and 10 km long coastline – containing marshes and lakes with fresh and salt water. Here are four main sites – the lakes Erl, Mert, Saka, Koreni. Lake Mert is of a particular interest with its “outbreaks” during spring when the groundwater rises sharply. The plant world is a diverse and biotype and rich with white and black oak. The fauna is also very rich and varied with the whole range of mammals to insects. Dr. Saygan presented the opportunities that the National Park allows for the development of tourism: photographing birds from nature-lovers and environmentalists, professional photographers, ecotourism.The territory is extremely attractive for development of sustainable and sightseeing tours. The urbanization problems of the region were brought up, issues in concern with minimal damage to the environment.

The second report was a continuation of the first – “Alternative and Environment Friendly Tourism” delivered by Dr. F. Massut by the Department of Tourism of the Province Kaklareli. There were raised issues for ecotourism in Strandja and Dense Forest Reserve and as a first step the routes on Turkish territory should be determined and described.

Brief presentation “Opportunities for photo hunting” in the territory of Strandja.

With speeches and questions by representatives of partner organizations S. Angelov and Ali Korur took part. The seminar ended with wishes for hard work to protect the natural heritage and its promotion in the tourist destinations of both countries.

The Project “The Unique Strandja Nature – potential for sustainable tourism” is co-financed by the EU through IPA Cross-border Programme Bulgaria -Turkey (CCI 2007CB16IPO008 – 3).

From the Project team  

 

Project „The unique nature of Strandja – Potential for Sustainable Tourism”

01st May 2016

The Youth Association “VERDICO” – Tsarevo implements the project “The Unique Nature Heritage of Strandja” ( “The Unique Strandja Nature – potential for sustainable tourism”) funded under the Program for IPA Bulgaria – Turkey 2007-2013 – IPA Cross-Border Programme CCI Number 2007CB16IPO008-3 (third call for proposals). Partner of the association is Thracian Tourist Association ( Kırklareli town- Turkey).

The project objectives are: To promote the opportunities for sustainable tourism development in Strandja mountain, connected with nature – wildlife as well as the interesting natural attractions; Making exchange of experiences between businesses, institutions and NGOs from the border region, in order to be implemented innovative solutions for sustainable tourism; Creating a model for cross-border network for sustainable tourism – a factor for sustainable economic development of Strandja.

The main project activities are:

• To create a database of Strandja Mountain with interesting nature sites and attractions, habitats of the unique animal and plant species, tourist routes, etc.
• To build an Internet platform with a digital map of natural attractions.
• To issue a catalog of the three languages including pictures of the sights of the mountains.
• And finally to held a round table “Factors for Sustainable Tourism in Strandja”.

The practical results of the project are focused on the border region covering the whole Strandja. The partners have already started to work in support of sustainable tourism development in the border region.

At present, MOEW is closing cases for the selection of contractors for the project activities.

The project is co-financed by the European Union through the IPA CBC Bulgaria – Turkey (IPA Cross-Border Programme (CCI number 2007CB16IPO008)).

From the Project team