Ecosystem services mapping and assessment of heathland and schrubs ecosystems in Bulgaria (outside NATURA 2000)

The project objective was mapping and assessment of shrubs and heath lands and their services on the whole territory of Bulgaria and outside of NATURA 2000. Ecosystems inventory was done on the territory of Bulgaria, thus the country fulfilled the provisions of the Biodiversity Strategy to 2020. The process of assessment of ecosystem services (ES) included: defining their spread; collection and classification of available (inter)national databases and on-site studies; assessment of the ES condition within the polygons range, defining the stakeholders and how they’ll benefit from these services; ES mapping. The data and maps were included in the National system for monitoring of the biodiversity.

The project helped in solving problems and addressing necessities, as the integration of green infrastructure and restoration of violated ecosystems. It also contributed to the initiative that guarantees zero net loss of ecosystems and their services, and contributed to the EC commitment towards the Convention of Biological Diversity and the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020.

Year 2015 – 2017