FAQ · Environment & Climate 22

In the FAO Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025 for Bulgaria, forest area is given as 3327 thousand hectares in 1990, 3375 thousand hectares in 2000, 3737 thousand hectares in 2010, 3833 thousand hectares in 2015, 3896 thousand hectares in 2020 and 3959 thousand hectares in 2025. Deforestation is recorded as zero thousand hectares a year for each span from 1990 to 2000, from 2000 to 2010, from 2010 to 2015, from 2015 to 2020 and from 2020 to 2025. Forest expansion is recorded as positive in each of those spans, so the reported net change in forest area is an increase. The country note says the Forest Act forbids changing forest to another land use except for important infrastructure, electricity and similar needs, and that those areas are small. The numbers are drawn from the annual National Forest Fund report of the Executive Forest Agency, which the assessment describes as an official stand-inventory database rather than one exact publication.

The United States Embassy in Bulgaria says Sofia and other regions of the country lie in active seismic zones and sets out practical steps for an earthquake. Before one, it advises keeping a survival kit in an easy place, making a family plan, making sure everyone knows how to shut off the gas, the water and the electricity, and keeping heavy objects below the head height of the shortest family member and not above bed level. During shaking, a person indoors should stay calm, stand under a door frame or crouch under a desk or table, and keep away from windows and glass partitions. Someone outside should keep away from buildings, trees and telephone or electric wires, and a driver should stay clear of underpasses and overpasses, stop in a safe place and remain in the vehicle. Afterwards the embassy advises moving to a safe place in case of aftershocks, wearing shoes, checking for injuries and giving first aid if needed, switching off the utilities, and listening to public-safety instructions on the radio. It also says emergency supplies should cover at least 3 days, while a 10-day stock of water, food and medicine is recommended, together with passports or other photo identity papers, copies of important documents such as insurance and a property title, and some cash.

Poda is a nature conservation site located south of the port city of Bourgas on the Southeastern Bulgarian Black Sea Coast. It was declared a protected area in 1989 and is the first in Bulgaria managed entirely by a non-governmental organization. The site is surrounded by the Black Sea and three large lakes, forming the Burgas Lakes wetland area. It serves as a vital resting station for migratory birds and an important nesting habitat for many species. The area's rich biodiversity is supported by its brackish, fresh, and hyper-saline salt water habitats.

Bulgaria possesses one of the richest biodiversityes in Europe with a total of 41,493 plant and animal species. The country hosts ninety-three of the 233 mammal species found in Europe. Regarding flora, there are more than 3,800 vascular plant species, of which 150 are considered endangered. To protect these species, the government adopted the National Biological Diversity Conservation Strategy to preserve local ecosystems and protect endangered species. Biodiversity is further conserved across three national parks, 11 nature parks, 10 biosphere reserves, and 565 protected areas.

Bulgaria is home to several protected areas that contain rare and endangered wildlife species and communities. The Balkan Mountains feature National Park Central Balkan and Nature Park Bulgarka, which host self-regulating ecosystems of biological diversity. Additionally, much of the Rila mountain range is included in National Park Rila. These natural areas are significant for both their biological diversity and their historical importance. Visitors can explore these diverse ecosystems while visiting various national and nature parks across the country.

The natural vegetation of the forest steppe consists of a mosaic of woodlands, open shrublands, and grasslands. Shrublands typically include species such as Caragana frutex, Prunus fruticosa, and Prunus stepposa. Common grasses found in these areas include Stipa ucrainica and Bromus riparius. The woodlands feature a wide variety of typical trees including Quercus robur, Tilia cordata, Acer platanoides, and Fagus sylvatica. Other notable trees present are Pinus sylvestris, Betula pendula, and Juglans regia. This diverse plant community is shaped by local variations in water flow, soil type, and historical human activities.

Bulgaria achieved its Kyoto Protocol objective of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 30% between 1990 and 2009. In the 2024 Environmental Performance Index, the country ranks 37th, though it scores low on air quality. Particulate levels are the highest in Europe, particularly in urban areas impacted by coal-based power stations and automobile traffic. The lignite-fired Maritsa Iztok-2 station is noted for causing significant damage to the environment and health within the European Union. Additionally, soil and water pollution occur due to antiquated industrial sewage systems and pesticide use in agriculture.

Bulgaria possesses one of the richest biodiversity levels in Europe, featuring 41,493 different plant and animal species. The country's forest cover accounts for approximately 36% of the total land area. As of 2020, this forest area was equivalent to 3,893,000 hectares. This figure represents an increase from the 3,327,000 hectares recorded in 1990. Much of this land is managed through national parks, nature parks, and various protected areas.

Bulgaria has a state agency in charge of radioactive waste disposal. Under a 2002 agreement, the country pays Russia $620 thousand per ton to reprocess spent fuel. Bulgaria also spent €49 million to construct a new storage facility. While there were plans to build another facility by 2015, this did not happen as predicted.

Bulgaria has imported various types of waste for energy production purposes. In 2017, the Ministry of Environment and Waters reported to the Basel convention that the country imported 69,683 tonnes of waste for incineration. This included forms such as RDF, SRF, pretreated mixed waste, and mixed contaminated plastics. Since 2014, the European Commission has financed a plant in Sofia for the cogeneration of heat and electricity from refuse-derived fuel. The total amount of waste imported annually remains substantially unknown as of March 2021.

The Danube serves as a source of drinking water for approximately 20 million people along its course. However, many states find it too difficult to clean the water due to extensive pollution. In most cases, water is drawn from ground and spring sources instead. Only parts of Romania where the water is cleaner still obtain drinking water from the Danube on a regular basis.

By the end of the 1930s, Bulgaria was producing on average twice as much per hectare as developed European countries. This high productivity was achieved even when compared to nations with worse soil conditions than Bulgaria. Despite facing challenges like small plots and historical handicaps, the agricultural output remained notable. The country was even able to switch to garden crops and tobacco when grain markets became difficult. This efficiency helped the nation avoid a large food crisis during difficult periods.

Bulgaria experiences relatively mild weather with abundant snowfall during the winter. This occurs due to the influence of the Atlantic Ocean through the atmospheric circulation of the Icelandic cyclone and the Azores anticyclone. The landscape features notable diversity, including snow-capped peaks in the Rila, Pirin, and the Balkan Mountains. Most of the country is situated within the humid continental climate region. Additionally, an Alpine climate can be found in the highest mountains.

The Bulgarian Biodiversity Preservation Society, Semperviva, works to study and save rare autochthonic breeds of domestic animals in Bulgaria and the Balkan region. This organization focuses on the conservation of the Karakachan sheep, Karakachan horse, and Karakachan dog. These local breeds are among the oldest forms of domestic animals in Europe and represent a connection to their wild predecessors. Semperviva aims to save the traditional breeding methods that exist in symbiosis with the living environment. Their work includes monitoring populations, maintaining herd books, and promoting public awareness through exhibitions.

The importance of fishing on the Danube has declined dramatically since the Middle Ages. While some fishermen remain active at certain points, the river's resources have faced issues from pollution and major infrastructure development. Large hydropower dams have created barriers for migratory species that spawn in the upper parts of the river. This has led to a significant decline in sturgeon populations, which were once a world-renowned commercial fishery. Currently, the possibility of building fish passes to enable migration is being reviewed by various projects.

The Poda nature conservation site is the first protected area in Bulgaria managed entirely by a non-governmental organization. This organization is the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds. They prepare and implement activities according to the Council of Minister's Management Plan. Funding for these activities comes completely from donations, souvenirs sold, and entrance fees. This setup serves as a sustainable model for eco-tourism and environmental education.

Concern about biodiversity conservation remains strong within the country. In 1998, the Government of Bulgaria approved the National Biological Diversity Conservation Strategy. This strategy was inspired by the Pan European Strategy for Biological and Landscape Diversity. Bulgaria also possesses some of the largest Natura 2000 areas in the European Union. These protected areas cover 33.8% of the country's territory.

The Ministry of Environment and Water is the agency responsible for protection against all forms of environmental pollution in the country. Bulgaria has faced significant issues including air pollution from industrial emissions and soil contamination from improper waste disposal. Rivers have also suffered from untreated sewage, heavy metals, and detergents. Additionally, the nation has dealt with depleted forest cover and damage caused by acid rain. These environmental crises have persisted due to the economic difficulties of cleanup in the post-communist era.

There are various theories regarding the origin of the stone pillars at Pobiti Kamani. One group of hypotheses suggests an organic origin, specifically attributing the formations to coral activity. However, detailed investigations have shown that there is no coral present in these structures. Other theories explain the phenomenon through abiotic processes like prismatic weathering or the formation of limestone concretions. Recent studies suggest these structures actually represent an exceptional record of a paleo-hydrocarbon seep system.

Bulgaria features several mountain ranges with unique natural features. Pirin is a mountain range that contains a number of blue glacier lakes. This area is protected within the Pirin National Park. Unlike the jagged peaks found in Pirin and Rila, the Rhodope Mountains consist of more rounded hills. These mountains offer different landscapes and opportunities for hiking through green hills.

The German name for the Danube is Donau. In Early Modern German, it was known as Donaw or Tonaw, and in Middle High German, it was called Tuonowe. It is possible that this name has been re-interpreted to include a specific suffix. This suffix is -ouwe, which means wetland. Therefore, the German name is considered feminine due to this connection.

Bulgaria features a desert-like rock phenomenon known as Pobiti Kamani, which translates to planted stones. Located on the northwest Varna Province border, these tubular concretions were formed around rising methane-bearing fluid plumes. One theory regarding their origin involves the prismatic weathering and desertification of the rocks. This process led to the formation of sand and limestone concretions. Recent sand removal has produced a landscape that resembles a desert.