Rila Monastery Nature Park Management Plan - part - usaid

February 2004
Such proximity enables a set of mutual influences, including the exchange of genetic
material, especially between populations of large vertebrates.
The fact that Rila NP surrounds RMNP almost completely reduces anthropogenic
pressure on the Nature Park, as the National Park functions as something of a buffer
zone that literally protects the territory of RMNP from pressure by a whole series of
potentially harmful factors, thus increasing its value as the core of the entire set of
natural complexes constituting the whole of Rila Mountain. To date, there is only
partial coordination between the administrations of the two protected areas, on
important matters related to law enforcement, tourism management, protection of rare
and endangered species, management of habitats and fire prevention.
Tourism and recreation opportunities
Concentrated in the Southwestern Planning District are some of the largest mountain
ranges in Bulgaria: Vitosha, Rila, and Pirin, as well as some minor ones in the border
regions with Greece and Macedonia: Belassitsa, Ograzhden, Slavyanka, Osogovska
and Maleshevska mountains. Large parts of these mountains are protected areas. In
addition to RMNP, two out of the three National Parks in Bulgaria are also located
here: Rila and Pirin National Parks, as well as Vitosha Nature Park. Rila National
Park already has an approved Management Plan, while the management plans for
Pirin National and Vitosha Nature Parks are in the process of being developed.
Along the border with Greece there are also two nature reserves, both having the
potential of becoming regional nature parks; in addition, in the Rupite locality there
is a protected area and a mineral spring.
Winter skiing tourism is traditional to the mountains Vitosha, Pirin and Rila, while
for most of the regional centers, especially of Blagoevgrad and Kyustendil regions,
tourism is declared a priority economic sector.
The natural heritage, protected natural areas, the well-preserved local traditions and
cultural values, the existing and planned transport connections, both domestic and
international, combine to create real possibilities for development of specialized
tourism, diversifying the currently available tourism products and extending the
tourist season.
Rila Monastery Nature Park is the most popular tourist destination and a priority in
the development of tourism in the entire Southwestern Planning Region. The Park is a
key element of the network of tourist landmarks within the region, located within an
hour’s drive from the following major places:
• Sofia, with the entire range of administrative, cultural, historical and other
institutions, as befit the capital of Bulgaria;
• Kyustendil, a regional center and a spa resort;
• Blagoevgrad, a regional and academic center, the seat of a university;
• Sapareva Banya - mineral springs, visitors’ center and a gateway to the Park;
Rila monastery Nature Park
ManaegmentPlan - Draft
2004 - 2013
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