Rila Monastery Nature Park Management Plan - part - usaid

February 2004
- breeding ground of 45 wildlife species endangered on a world scale: 14 plants,
seven invertebrate organisms and 24 vertebrate animals;
- a territory ensuring the survival and reproduction of viable populations of
world conservation significance of 13 species and subspecies of vertebrates;
• One of five protected areas in Bulgaria providing most significant natural
sanctuaries to wildlife species that are both rare and sensitive to human presence:
- one of the places in Bulgaria comprising considerable tracts of land that are
least affected by human impact, providing conditions for undisturbed habitation to
particularly sensitive animals like bear, Balkan chamois, or capercaillie;
- one of the most significant locations worldwide of the local endemics Rila
cowslip and St. Johns Chamomile (Anthemis sancti-johannis);
- one of the largest viable populations of the southern white-backed
woodpecker, Bechstein’s bat and the alpine molerat in the world;
- one of the most important breeding grounds in Bulgaria for the Dalmatian
falcon (one of two locations), the pygmy owl (one of three locations), the marten (one
of five areas with a viable sub-population) and the alpine newt.
5.2.2 Significance of the landscape, rock formations and natural phenomena
• Some of the most dramatic, emotionally charged landscapes in Bulgaria, a unique,
harmonious unity of the deepest, most articulated system of mountain river
valleys in Bulgaria, centuries-old forests and imposing rock massifs, a large
number of high-mountain lakes and the most variegated skyline;
• Some of the most pristine landscapes in Bulgaria and Europe, virtually unaffected
by manmade elements;
• Territory with unique combination of different types of natural and cultural
landscapes with exceptional emotional influence;
• Combination of various cultural landscapes – anthropogenic-functional, with
natural origin, suggestive.
5.3 Social and economic evaluation
5.3.1 Significance for tourism
• The second most visited protected area in Bulgaria;
• One of the most attractive tourist destinations in the country, a place charged with
a strong emotional content.
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5.3.2 Significance for the community and for society as a whole
• The most significant freshwater source for Southwestern Bulgaria and parts of the
Thracian Plain; one of the three most significant mountainous areas in Bulgaria,
constituting a natural freshwater repository;
• One of the most visited destinations in Bulgaria for socially disadvantaged
citizens, providing an opportunity for a considerable number of people to feel on a
level with the rest of the population;
• The most important religious center in Bulgaria, a prime asset of Christian
orthodox faith and culture.
Rila monastery Nature Park
ManaegmentPlan - Draft
2004 - 2013
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