Study and planning of biodiversity protection in the cross-border region with Republic of Greece

Contracting Authority: Foundation Arbitra
Contractor: P-United Ltd.
Conclusion of the Contract: 15.03.2019
Completion of the Contract: 30.06.2019
Territorial scope: Catchment areas of Mesta and Arda rivers and the Rodopi Mountain Range
Status: Completed.

Project Background: The execution of Contract: “Study and planning of biodiversity protection in the cross-border region with Republic of Greece” is in the frame of project “Enhancing biodiversity through sustainable management and protection of rare species habitat in Nestos and Ardas rivers and the Rodopi Mountain Range”, funded under Cooperation Programme INTERREG V-A "Greece-Bulgaria 2014-2020".
The cross-border area is one of the most significant for biodiversity areas in European and international level. There are series of very important habitats that are being protected from national law as well as international treaties (Natura 2000 sites, etc.). One of the main reasons that they are considered to be so important is that they demonstrate a remarkable biodiversity since they constitute the natural habitat (permanent or occasional) for a large number for endangered species of fauna and flora (endemic and migratory). Furthermore they are part of the eastern European corridor of the birds migration.
As a project partner Foundation Arbitra assign to P-United Ltd. carrying-out a study and planning of biodiversity protection in the cross-border region with Republic of Greece.
Project Objectives: The Contract’s objectives are related to:
- Providing highly qualified expert assistance for the implementation of the project objectives and activities;
- Contribution to the objectives for conservation and restoration of ecosystems and biodiversity on the territory of Mesta and Arda rivers and the Rodopi Mountain Range, including Natura 2000 sites and protected areas;
- Contribution to the achievement of the project’s objectives, related to the development of new, united, integrated, and flexible strategy of protection and restoration of the biodiversity in the cross-border region of Republic of Bulgaria and Republic of Greece.
Our approach:
- Gathering the spatial boundaries of Arda and Mesta rivers;
- Gathering the existing biodiversity data on the territory of Arda and Mesta rivers and the Rodopi Mountain Range;
- Development of common GIS database;
- Review of the protected sites, identified by the Contracting Authority, for which a Risk assessment model shall be applied;
- Considering the necessity for supplementing the list of protected sites;
- Agreement with the Contracting Authority on appropriate species/habitats to whom a risk assessment will be applied;
- Development of a Risk assessment model for species and natural habitats and assessing the Risk for the species/natural habitats, coordinated with the Contracting Authority;
- Preparation of an Explanatory note to the Risk assessment model;
- Preparation of a Report with maps attached to illustrate the results;
- Agreement with the Contracting Authority on appropriate species/habitats to whom Conservation strategy will be applied;
- Development of strategies for protection of the most vulnerable and priority species/habitats.
Results: Created database on biodiversity in the territory of Mesta and Ardarivers and the Rodopi Mountain Range. Developed and implemented Risk Assessment Model for species and habitats in Natura 2000 protected sites on the territory of Arda river. Developed strategies for protection of the  most vulnerable and priority species/habitats.