Bulgaria Launches a Major Project to Restore and Strengthen Forest Habitats in NATURA 2000 Areas

The South-Eastern State Forestry Enterprise (SESFE), headquartered in Sliven, has announced the launch of a large-scale project aimed at the conservation and improvement of forest habitats within NATURA 2000 protected areas.
The initiative covers 20 state forestry and hunting units, seeking to enhance the conservation status of forest habitat types, support natural regeneration, increase ecosystem resilience, and preserve biodiversity.

Key measures include the application of modern silvicultural practices, the transformation of young stands into seed-producing areas, improvement of forest structure and species composition, professional training and field demonstrations, as well as the purchase of specialised equipment such as GPS devices, tractors with mulchers, and fieldwork machinery.

The project will run until 2029 and is funded under the Bulgarian Environment Programme 2021–2027, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund and the EU Cohesion Fund.
SESFE manages forest areas across the regions of Burgas, Sliven, Stara Zagora, Haskovo, and Yambol, with a total of 32 territorial units — 26 state forestry holdings and five hunting enterprises.

IDR Commentary

The SESFE initiative represents a strong example of how Black Sea–Danube region countries are integrating EU environmental standards into forest management. The restoration of valuable NATURA 2000 habitats is essential for implementing the European Green Deal and strengthening climate resilience.

For Ukraine and the Lower Danube region, Bulgaria’s experience is especially relevant:

-         modern silvicultural approaches may be adapted for forest recovery programmes in Odesa and Zakarpattia regions;

-         regional exchange among forestry experts can accelerate the development of coordinated environmental policies from the Carpathians to the Black Sea;

-         the SESFE model demonstrates that targeted EU funding can significantly speed up ecosystem restoration and increase climate resilience.

The Institute of Danube Research highlights the importance of Ukraine’s deeper engagement in cross-border environmental initiatives and closer cooperation with Bulgaria in sustainable forest management, including the formation of transnational ecological corridors across the Danube basin.