Rila Monastery Nature Park Management Plan - part - usaid

February 2004
1.5 Interpretation and education
Long-term goal 1.5.1 To present the natural, religious and cultural heritage
of RMNP in ways and by means that would contribute most fully to people’s
personal enrichment and their involvement in the preservation of orthodox values
as well as the conservation of nature.
This Goal seeks to ensure the active and balanced interpretation of the exceptional
values of Rila Monastery and the Nature Park for both visitors to the area and the
public at large. Interpretation and education programs and projects are expected to
start before the arrival of the tourist, augment the visitor experience while visiting the
Park, and be supported through popular information and education efforts in the
formal and non-formal education and public information systems in the country.
These programs will aim at illustrating the Rila Monastery Nature Park as a model of
public-private cooperation and outstanding conservation management. Information
development and delivery must be improved for the Monastery and the Park. A
combination of subsidized and commercial information, interpretation, and
educational opportunities would be important for the future of this Goal in the Park.
Long-term goal 1.5.2 To provide optimum opportunities to make the Nature
Park a scientific and educational center for matters of the natural sciences.
The Goal aims to add a special dimension to the Nature Park and to generate
additional income for the Park. The goal aims to make scientific research and field
studies an important offering on the territory. Existing facilities could be made-over
to accommodate full time study centers for both spiritual and natural sciences. This
Goal also aims to develop these facilities on an income-generating basis as
appropriate. Links with similar centers and or universities suggest that these facilities
could be operated on a concessional basis, with minimal subsidies, if any. This would
help establish the Park as a center for spiritual development, and for continuing
education, research, and applied research. All these activities are aimed at capitalizing
on the unique combination of values embraced within the Park.
1.6 Partnerships and local communities
Long-term goal 1.6.1 To ensure that the use of resources and the utilization
of the Park’s potential take place with full respect for the interests, rights and
responsibilities of the landowner, and other stakeholders.
This Goal aims to create a unity of intent and actions on matters of mutual concern
between the state Park administration, the landowner, local communities and visitors.
This Goal intends to develop a commitment and realization of opportunities for the
Park and local communities to engage in activities of mutual concern. These may
include education and outreach programs into schools. It may include special events
organized for special groups by the Nature Park administration. It may include fuel
wood assistance programs, special provisions for grazing and non-timber natural
resources collection. It may include preferential employment programs for local
people in future activities of the Park. It may include the volunteer engagement of
Rila Monastery Nature Park
Management Plan - Draft
2004 - 2013
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