Rila Monastery Nature Park Management Plan - part - usaid

February 2004
effective, natural corridors and links with the rest of Rila Mountain. The landscape
also demonstrates a low degree of anthropogenic degradation. Of particular
importance is the presence of the Rila Monastery Forest Reserve, with its centuriesold
forests and ecosystems of high conservation significance. These surround the
Monastery and give its special ambience and exceptional experience. Activities that
negatively impact these special features and intangible values should be avoided at all
costs.
Long-term goal 1.2.2 To conserve the natural state of forest habitats;
especially the unique communities of Rila oak and King Boris’s fir and their
biological potential.
A considerable proportion of the forests within RMNP are of natural origin,
composition and structure. In many parts of the Park there are preserved sections of
climax forests, the likes of which can be seen nowhere else in Bulgaria outside of the
few mountainous protected areas. This Ideal Goal has as a first priority the
preservation of forest ecosystems and communities that are of exceptional
conservation value in a national, regional, and international context. This includes the
preservation of forest composition, structure and phases of ecological development.
In this context, special attention is paid to communities and habitats of endemic Rila
oak and King Boris’s fir within the Park.
Long-term goal 1.2.3 To conserve the natural state and biological potential
of sub-alpine and alpine communities and rocky habitats.
High-mountain, treeless portions of the Park contain some of the rarest and most
endangered types of habitats of high biodiversity value. These high mountain natural
areas are centers of species formation, shelter of high number of endemic species and
are very fragile. As such examples are disappearing from the world at an alarming
rate, these areas take on more and more significance. This Goal aims to ensure that
the most critical aspects of these areas are not lost through ignorance,
mismanagement or visitor impact.
Long-term goal 1.2.4 To conserve the natural state, biological potential and
diversity of lake, lake and riverside habitats and other wetlands within the Park.
Water is synonymous with the Rila Mountains and is critical to Park ecosystems as
well as human settlements that depend on this water source. Water sources and water
bodies remain a critical feature of this mountain Park and can ill afford pollution or
negative interference. The diversity of these aquatic sites and their adjacent areas are
vital components to the integrity of the Park. This Goal aims to ensure this integrity
and to minimize negative impacts.
Long-term goal 1.2.5 To conserve the natural state and biological potential of
populations of species of conservation significance.
The aim is conservation of species that warrant special attention: rare, endangered,
endemic, as well as species of changing conservation status. The Goal refers to cases
where conditions require direct conservation measures, aimed at conserving species
populations within the Park. Such measures may include replenishing depleted
Rila Monastery Nature Park
Management Plan - Draft
2004 - 2013
150