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The project “Rhodopean Biodiversity – Life Underground and in the Daylight” BG 2004/016- 782.01.03.03.06 was implemented in the period December 1st, 2006 and November 30th, 2007 wit the financial support of PHARE CBC Bulgaria - Greece Programme, Grant Scheme “Promotion of nature protection actions and sustainable development across border”.
Its goal was to reveal the potential of non-utilized nature resources for development of environmental-friendly tourism in the Area for walking and cave tourism, encompassing the Upper Stream of Arda River. Project activities were designed, organized and implemented based on an integrated approach, i.e. intervention in multiple field like scientific and terrain surveys of biodiversity along the tracks of the tourist trails to be established, assessment of anthropogenic impact upon the habitats of flora and fauna species, registering, mapping and photographing of 17 caves and registering of 23 new caves; investment in small tourist infrastructure along the new 6 six trails and establishment of a Visitor Information Center in Smilyan, training of speleo-guides, training of interesting parties from the area in planning, development and marketing of eco-tourism products, production and distribution of promotional materials – maps, brochures, videos, carrying out two promotional tours for jopurnalists. And not last – creation of a joint Plan for green tourism in the cross-border region 2008-2013.
The project made a reality the establishment of a broad partnership for preservation of biodiversity and promotion of nature-friendly tourism and living heritage of the area. Smolyan Municipality thanks to its partners - Tourist Association “Mursalitsa”, Foundation for Local Government Reform (FLGR) – Branch Smolyan, Local Authorities Union in Xanthi (LAUX), and to its associated partners – Regional Tourist Association “Rhodope” - Smolyan, GEF Rhodope Project – office for West Rhodope Region in Smolyan, Community Center “Prof. Assen Zlatarev” - Smilyan and Community Center “Future Now” – Gudevitsa village.
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Information and opinions published in the website are those of Smolyan Municipality and in any way do not reflect the official position of the European Commission.