Hi there, I’m Elena from Bulgaria. I’m 21 and am studying Ecology and Nature Protection at the University of Plovdiv. It’s quite funny, I started with Mathematics in High-School and then continued with a completely different area of interest once I got involved with Green Balkans nature conservation organization six years ago. It’s not that I surprised my family a lot as my hobbies have always been more or less related to nature and what I currently do. I love drawing animals and I have turned the birds I came across during our field studies into favourite cartoon characters. I also love spending time near wetlands and to enjoy their dynamic and colourful wildlife.

Many people know Bulgaria only from current news about its accession process to the EU or as holiday destination. Could you tell us something about your home country?

Our country is still in transition, with a comparatively young democracy and non-governmental sector. Although officially we have not become a member of the European Union yet, we have always been an inseparable part of the European history and culture. Despite the relatively small area of Bulgaria, its location has turned it into a unique crossroad of continents, climates, flora and fauna, cultures and peoples. We are famous for our hospitality, tolerance, tenacity and diligence. But what is even more fascinating is the unique nature Bulgaria has preserved for ages. Because of the former Iron Curtain and agricultural habits of the population, huge territories of the country have been spared from industrial development and human pressure, preserving various endemic and relict species of flora and fauna. Taking into account also the geographical location of the country, we are proud of one of the richest biodiversity in Europe.

Will there be nature to experience for the generations to come?

Unfortunately, nature conservation seems like something new and strange to most of the people, occupied mainly with thoughts of survival during the long transitional period. This requires doubled efforts for rising active citizen position and willingness to preserve nature. We have inherited some ecological issues but more and more arise nowadays. Greatest threats to Bulgaria’s nature are habitat loss caused by industrialization and urbanization, huge investment intentions for the sake of the unique natural landscapes, lack of resources and institutional capacity and last but not least – corruption. Most of these problems can be addressed and solved only by a highly developed civil society, which has just been born in Bulgaria.

Maybe you could elaborate a bit further on the last topic of civil society? What is Green Balkans -the organisation you are engaged in- doing to protect the environment?

Green Balkans Federation of Nature Conservation NGOs is one of the oldest NGOs in Bulgaria devoted to biodiversity preservation. It was established in 1988 when several university students united their efforts against a terrible crime perpetrated against nature – a rodent poisoning campaign. Since then Green Balkans has gained more than 4,000 members from all over the country and over 200 active volunteers – mainly young people – university and high-school students. We are currently working in several core areas: direct protection of species and their habitats, preparation of legislation pieces, management plans, and strategies and other political documents, studies as well as designation of protected areas (including the part concerning the NATURA 2000 European network of protected areas), and implementation of educational and informational campaigns.

Could you give an example?

Our main target species include globally threatened or rare birds such as the Imperial Eagle, Pygmy Cormorant, Sandwich Tern, Black Vulture and many others. We have also initiated several reintroduction campaigns for species, already extinct in Bulgaria.

But why are you sacrificing your spare time to work voluntary? Is it worth it?

I’m proud to be a part of something so active, so young and innovative for Bulgaria. My personal motivation to be a volunteer in Green Balkans is the thought that I can and do change things and am able to see the result of my work. This is an alternative chosen by hundreds of friends – going out into the wild and doing something reasonable for nature – ringing wild birds, guarding the last remained nests of Imperial Eagles in Bulgaria, building artificial islands for nesting of Sandwich Terns….. Personally, one of my most desirable works is for the Rescue Center where injured birds arrive from all over the country and are being looked after by qualified veterinarians and Green Balkans volunteers. Being a part of the process of rehabilitation and release of a wild bird, being able to touch and take care of it fascinates me. The Center is also a powerful educational tool having the opportunity to show live birds, explain and educate. We have managed to start some captivity breeding programs there. And of course, nothing can be compared to the feeling of letting a wild bird go after a successful rehabilitation course – can you imagine a better reward?

Do you also have partner organizations? And: Would you be interested to collaborate with other European environmental NGOs?

We realized a long time ago that nature is a common heritage and needs united forces to be preserved. It is obvious that one cannot protect rare migratory birds being killed somewhere else or pollute a river downstream knowing it leaves the territory of the country. Green Balkans is working with foreign partners such as WWF, EURONATUR, BTCV, CVA and many other organizations. We implement annual international conservation holidays at the Pomorie Lake and the Wildlife Rehabilitation and Breeding Center, together with our British and American colleagues. We do believe and actively participate in trans-border initiatives such as the Green Belt, Lower Danube Green Corridor, projects for CITES implementation and so on. We do believe in close collaboration and friendship and that this is actually the future of nature conservation. Furthermore, being a relatively young NGO Green Balkans need foreign experience and know-how to be able to fulfill its environmental goals properly.

Thanks for the interview!