Rila Monastery Nature Park Management Plan

448 Pages·2004·7.46 MB·English

The Minister
of the Environment and Waters

D. Arsenova

Rila Monastery Nature Park
Management Plan
2004-2013

DRAFT

Adopted by Decision # ххх of the Council of Ministers dated хх.хх, 2004

Presented by ARD/BCEGP in fulfillment of Terms of Reference commissioned by
the Ministry of the Environment and Waters, # хх-хх-хххх, March 2001

The drafting and publication of this Management Plan was made possible through the
generous support of the Environment, Energy and Social Transition Department of
the Europe and Eurasia Desk of the United States Agency for International
Development, pursuant to Contract # LAG-I-00-99-00013-00. All opinions expressed
herein are solely at the authors’ discretion and do not necessarily reflect the position
of the United States Agency for International Development.

February, 2004
Team of Authors

The Core Planning Team which drafted the present Management Plan for Rila
Monastery Nature Park comprises the following members: Dr. Petar Yankov D.Sc.
(ecology/zoology), Dr. Dimitar Peev D.Sc. (ecology/botany), Eng. Ventsisval
Velichkov (forest engineer), Mrs. Snezhana Kostadinova (sociologist), as well as the
members of the Coordinating Team of the BCEG Project, as follows: Dr. Peter Hetz
(team leader), Dimitrina Boteva, MSc. (biodiversity expert) and Gergana Pavlova
(administrative support).

The Extended Planning Team comprises the following members: Eng. Mihail
Mihailov, Director of Rila Monastery Nature Park; Ms. Nikolina Georgieva,
biodiversity expert with the Directorate Rila Monastery NP, Eng. Vassil Petrov,
acting Director of Rila NP, His Eminence Gabriel, Metropolitan Bishop of Lovech,
representative of the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church; the Most
Reverend Bishop John, Abbot of Rila Monastery, Eng. Stella Todorova, head of
department Earth Bowles, Protected Areas and Biodiversity with the Regional
Inspectorate for the Environment and Waters – Sofia, Eng. Nina Dimitrova, forestry
expert with the Regional Forestry Board, Kyustendil; Architect Maria Karazlateva,
Expert-in-Chief of the Department of Investments Policy, State Property Management
and Cultural Monuments Conservation of the Ministry of Culture;Architect Pencho
Dimitrov, State Expert with the Territorial and Urban Development Directorate of the
Ministry of Territorial Development and Public Works; Architect Nevyana
Negrevska, senior inspector with the Administrative Control, Regional Development
and State Property Directorate of the Regional Administration, Kyustendil,
Mr. Krassimir Bozhkov, Director of the Blagoevgrad branch of Dams and Cascades
National Energy Complex PLC; Ms. Aneta Angelova, junior ecology expert with Rila
Municipality; Dr. Petya Radovanova, Union of Park and Landscape Designers and
Architects in Bulgaria; and Mr. Toma Belev, of the Vitosha Nature Park Foundation;

The Management Plan is based on studies and reports of experts in various fields;
special acknowledgment is due to the following contributors: Dr. Dimitar Peev,
D.Sc.; Eng. Ventsislav Velichkov; Mr. Zheko Spiridonov; Dr, Hristo Delchev; Prof.
Dr. Boyan Rosnev, Ph.D.; Dr. Petya Radovanova; Dr. Maria Samardjieva; Maurice
Waterhouse, Mrs. Snezhana Kostadinova; Dr. Petar Yankov D.Sc., Dr. Veska
Russakova D.Sc., Dr. Melania Gyosheva D.Sc.; Dr. Lyuba Evstatieva; Dr. Anna
Ganeva; Ms. Natalia Valyovska, pharmacist; Ms. Sonya Tzoneva, biology specialist;
Mr. Krassimor Bozhkov; Mr. Angel Lukanov, senior research associate; Svetoslav
Petrosenko; Dr. Ventsisvlav Delov; Mr. Nikolai Simov, research assistant; Mr. Pavel
Stoev, research assistant; Mr. Tihomir Stefanov, biology expert; Ms. Vera Antonova,
biology specialist; Ms. Antoaneta Georgieva; Dr. Theodora Ivanova; Ms. Gergana
Miladinova; Mr. Dimitar Sichanov.
February 2004 i
Contents

List of Appendixes
iv
List of Maps
vi
List of Abbreviations and Acronyms
vii
Glossary of professional terms and explanations
xi
Preamble
xviii
Summary
xxii

Section I. Description and Evaluation

1.0 General information regarding Rila Monastery Nature Park 3
1.1 Location, boundaries and territory of the Park and the
protected areas from other categories included in it 3
1.2 Zone and administrative affiliation 6
1.3 Legal status of the protected area and the cultural and
historic sites within its under the applicable legislation 8
1.4 Ownership 9
1.5 Managerial structure 11
1.6. and 1.7 Current development plans, zoning and regimes 16

2.0 Description of Abiotic Factors 21
2.1 Climate 21
2.2 Geology and geomorphology 24
2.3 Hydrobiology 32
2.4 Soils and soil formation processes 39

3.0 Biological attributes 43
3.1 Ecosystems, habitats and communities 43
3.2 Vegetation 47
3.3 Flora 57
3.4 Fauna 66

4.0 Cultural and Socioeconomic Characteristics 83
4.1 Socioeconomic activities and existing trends regarding uses
of the Park 83
4.2 The Nature Park in a regional context and the current use of
the adjoining territories 114
4.3 Religious, cultural and historical sites in RMNP, Rila
Monastery settlement and the territory neighboring the park 125
4.4 Structure and aesthetic merit of the landscape 129

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5.0 First assessment: Assessment of the significance of Rila
Monastery Nature Park 135
5.1 Spiritual, religious and cultural-historical evaluation 135
5.2 Ecological evaluation 135
5.3 Social and economic evaluation 137
5.4 Potential value of the protected territory 138

Section II: Ideal Goals and Limitations
1.0 Ideal (long-term) goals 149
1.1 Conservation of religious and cultural heritage 149
1.2 Conservation of natural components 149
1.3 Management of natural resources 151
1.4 Management of tourism 152
1.5 Interpretation and education 153
1.6 Partnerships and local communities 153
1.7 Management of the Park 154

2.0 Threats and limitations 157
2.1 Natural threats 157
2.2 Anthropogenic threats 160
2.3 Limitations 170

3.0 The effect of threats and limitations on the long-term goals and
potential of the protected area 173

4.0 Management (Operational) Objectives 175
4.1 Conservation of religious and cultural heritage 175
4.2 Conservation of natural components 176
4.3 Management of natural resources 178
4.4 Management of tourism 179
4.5 Interpretation and education 180
4.6 Partnerships and local communities 181
4.7 Management of the Park 182

Section III: Zoning, Regimes and Norms in Rila Monastery
Nature Park
1.0 General principles 187
1.1 Regimes 187
1.2 Norms 190
1.3 Conditions 190

2.0 Zones, regimes and norms 191
2.1 Reserves Zone 191
2.2 High Conservation Significance Zone 194
2.3 Environmentally Sound Use Zone 196
2.4 Technical Infrastructure Zone 199
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2.5 Sustainable Forestry Zone 201
2.6 Holy Places and Cultural-Historical Heritage Zone 203
2.7 The Tourism Zone 205

Section IV: Operational / Work Plan
1.0 Priorities of theManagement Plan 215
1.1 Rila Monastery Nature Park Directorate structure
development and improvement 215
1.2 Consultative Council within the Rila Monastery Nature Park
Directorate 215

2.0 Programs and Projects 217
2.1 Conservation of religious and cultural-historical heritage 217
2.2 Conservation of natural components 219
2.3 Management of natural resources 225
2.4 Management of tourism 226
2.5 Interpretation and education 227
2.6 The Park in a regional context and the setting up of
partnerships 229
2.7 Park Management and infrastructure 230

3.0 Three-year work plan and budget 235

Section V: Monitoring of the Implementation of
Management Plan and Assessment Criteria
1.0 Monitoring the implementation of this Plan 245
1.1 Ongoing inspection and monitoring of the state of the Nature
Park 245
1.2 Periodic reviews and revisions of the Management Plan 245
1.3 The ten-year Management Plan update 246

2.0 Recommendations and criteria for assessing the effectiveness of
the completed activities and the attainment of goals 247

Bibliography 249

Appendices 257

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List of Appendices
1. Order # 307/10.04.1986 of the Committee for Protection of the Environment
under the Council of Ministers (SG # 34/1986), designating the Rila Monastery
Forest Reserve;
Order # 114/24.02.1992 of the Ministry of Environment, on the Declaration of
the Rila People’s Park, the Central Rila Reserve and Expansion of the Area of
Reserves in the Park
2. List of changed geographical names within the territory of Rila Monastery
Nature Park
3. List of infrastructure in Rila Monastery NP, the Rila Monastery settlement and
the territory along Rilska River in the nature park vicinity;
List of abandoned, derelict and unusable infrastructure in Rila Monastery
Nature Park, proposed for removal
4. List of designated monuments of culture in the Rila Holy Monastery area,
issued by the Ministry of Culture (SG # 73/8.09.1992);
Protocol dated 07.05.1992 of the Commission appointed with Decree # RD-19-
132 from 24.03.1992 of the Ministry of Culture
5. Order # RD-310/26.06.2000 of the Ministry of the Environment and Waters
regarding the re-categorization of part of Rila National Park into Rila
Monastery Nature Park
6. List of the Documents Restoring and Protecting the Rights of the Rila Monastery
and its Property
7. Addresses and Phone Numbers of Interested Parties Responsible for the
Protection and Management of the Nature Park
8. Table of Geological Eras and Periods and their Main Geological Manifestation
in the Park
9. Types and Varieties of Minerals Established in the Rila Monastery Nature Park
10. List of Habitats in the Rila Monastery Nature Park according to the CORINE
Habitats Classification
11. Characteristic and Evaluation of the Health Status of Forests in the RMNP
Determined During the REA in 2001
12. List of sections and subsections of Rila Monastery NP according to the 2000
Forest Management Plan, affected by fire in 2000
13. List of higher plant species of conservation significance in Rila Monastery
Nature Park
14. Species diversity and conservation significance of mosses in Rila Monastery
Nature Park
15. List of the Medicinal Plants Found in Rila Monastery NP during REA in 2001
and their Conservation Significance
16. Permitted for collection non-timber resources and collecting areas
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17. Macromycettes of Significance for Conservation in Rila Monastery Nature
Park
18. List of edible mushrooms in the park
19. List of invertebrate animal taxa of conservation significance in Rila Monastery
Nature Park
20. List of vertebrate animal species of conservation significance in Rila
Monastery Nature Park
21. Groups of Birds in Rila Monastery NP According to the Population Size and
Distribution Patterns in the Park
22. Number and distribution of large mammals in the Park
23. Description of the Recreation Facilities in Rila Monastery Nature Park, the
Rila Monastery Settlement and the Area Proposed for Inclusion in the Park
24. Demographic and employment trends
25. Types of landscapes in Rila Monastery Nature Park
26. Ranking of Landscape Quality Indicators According to the Expert Assessment
27. Description of landscapes by types, locations and type of assessment
28. Complex Landscape Assessment by Ranked Quality Indicators
29. Livestock trails and area, defined for pasture and hay collecting
30. Flora, Fauna and Cenotic Complexes Near the Main Tourist Trails and Near
Ribni Lakes Chalet
31. Goal Performance Indicators
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List of maps

1. Base Map
2. Principal sites and localities
3. Geology
4. Distribution of the territory by altitude
5. Hydrographic characteristics and hydro technical infrastructure
6. Principal habitats and plant communities
7. Forest vegetation and the treeless zone
8. Plant species of conservation significance
9. Animal species of conservation significance
10. Non-timber natural resources
11. Holy sites, cultural and historical monuments
12. Distribution of the territory by quality of landscapes
13. Zoning
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List of Abbreviations and Acronyms

ARD, Inc. Associates in Rural Development, Inc.
BAS Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
BCEGP Biodiversity Conservation and Economic Growth Project
BirdLife An international environmental organization, a federation of national
International environmental organizations from over 100 countries around the world,
united by common approaches, environmental protection programs, and
mutual, including financial, assistance. Established in 1927, BirdLife
has some 2 million members worldwide; the Bulgarian Society for the
Protection of Birds is the Bulgarian representative. Its principal goal is
the protection of nature through conservation of rare species, sites of
natural value (land and aquatic) and habitats, the sustainable
development of natural resources, environmental training and education
BOC Bulgarian Orthodox Church
BRC Bulgarian Red Cross
BSPB Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds
BSS Bulgarian State Standard
BTC Bulgarian Telecommunications Corporation
BTU Bulgarian Tourist Union
CCE Child-care establishment
CHH Cultural and Historical Heritage
CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
CLGE Central Laboratory of General Ecology
CM Council of Ministers
“CORINE An all-European program for the gathering, coordination and
biotopes” provision of continuous information on the state and condition of the
environment and natural resources in Europe; active in Bulgaria since
1994; places of conservation significance have been identified at 141
sites
CP Checkpoints
CPE Committee for the Protection of the Environment under the Council of
Ministers (the predecessor of the Ministry of the Environment and
Waters)
CS Comprehensive school
EAFAC Executive Agency for Fisheries and Aquatic Cultures
ECCF European Committee for the Conservation of Fungi
EU European Union
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EUROSITE Association of organizations engaged in the husbanding and
management of the European natural heritage in 10 European nations
FA Forestry Act
FACA Fisheries and Aquatic Cultures Act
FB Faculty of Biology (of the St. Clement Ohridsky University of Sofia)
FI Forest Inventory
FPCS Foundation for the Promotion of the Civil Society
FU Forestry University
GEF Global Environment Facility; please note that the acronym GEF is
also used in Bulgaria to denote the GEF/USAID Project for
Biodiversity Conservation.
GIS Geographic Information Systems
GPS Global Positioning System
HPS Hydropower Station
HW Household waters
IHL Institute of Higher Learning
IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature – World Conservation
Union, an international environmental organization comprising state
and public (non-governmental) organizations as well as international
organizations. Established in 1948, with members from more than 100
nations; Bulgaria is represented to IUCN by the Ministry of the
Environment and Waters and the Nature Fund. The main goal of
IUCN is to organize the conservation of nature (rare species, protected
areas) and the sustainable use of forest resources; IUCN is the
organization that has developed the internationally recognized
categories of protected areas applied throughout the world.
MAF Ministry of Agriculture and Forests
MAFS Municipal Agriculture and Forestry Service
MCD Ministerial Council Decree
MCMA Monuments of Culture and Museums Act
MD Ministry of Defense
MI Ministry of the Interior
MOE Ministry of the Environment (in the recent past)
MOEW Ministry of the Environment and Waters
MP Management Plan
MRDPW Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works
MRS Mountain Rescue Service
MS Middle school
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