Rila Monastery Nature Park Management Plan - part - usaid

February 2004
• Project: Setting up an educational and scientific research center
The project envisages establishment and development of a research and professional
training center in the field of ecology, environmental protection, and protected area
management. It includes evaluation of the existing infrastructure in the park aiming to
insure the necessary facilities. This center will conduct student practices, training of
professionals in the field of protected areas management, etc. The project envisages
part of the activity to be located in Kirilova poliana.
A specialized part of the Project for environmental education is to deal with the
development of the Sustainable Forestry Zone as a demonstration ground for training
college students and forestry experts in the implementation of sustainable forestry
practices.
• Project: Traditional festivals and celebrations in the Nature Park
Development of an Action Plan for organizing and holding celebrations of traditional
holidays; development of a strategy for coordinating stakeholder activities in the
effective management of the tourist flow and ensuring visitor safety. The project is to
describe the locations, methods, fire control measures, transport arrangements, etc.,
relevant to the holding of such mass celebrations.
2.5.2 Interpretation program
• Project: Plan for interpretation in the Nature Park
This envisions the development of a unified, all-around plan/strategy for carrying out
all kinds of interpretative activities within the Park. At its core will be the unity and
harmony of the spiritual and natural components of RMNP. An analysis of the goals,
objectives, target groups and the specifics of the territory will enable the formulation
of concrete measures and forms for presenting to visitors the rich religious, cultural
and natural heritage of the Park.
• Project: Information facilities
In conformity with the all-round interpretation plan for RMNP, this Project envisions
the putting up of signposts, information and interpretative boards throughout the Park
territory. Such information facilities include, most generally: (1) markings and
signposting of boundaries, entry points; information about ground rules and norms
(law enforcement); (2) direction signs and information boards about sites, landmarks
and facilities, stating, among other things, approximate duration of routes, availability
of services, etc.; (3) interpretative boards at places and sites providing more detailed
background information about cultural, historical, religious and natural sites and
values throughout the Park.
The following are envisioned as parts of this Project:
Rila Monastery Nature Park
Management Plan - Draft
2004 - 2013
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