Unique rock chain Vitata stena is designated Natura 2000 site for its global significance of bird species.
The main reason for the threat to that site is cutting the forests below the site, which has been banned by the local authorities. The region is very much underdeveloped. Tourism is seen as the key opportunity to improve the wellbeing of the local population. Small tourism businesses started to occur. It is of utmost importance to develop ecotorusim valorizing the biodiversity and ensuring its protection in the long-term. Some of the initiative people gathered together into the Local Initiative Group (LIG) submitting this proposal by the understanding that common efforts are needed for eco-tourism development and also protection of the existing natural and historical values of the area, on which the success of their businesses depends.

Location
Number of villages in the area of Natura 200 site Vitata stena from municipalities of Gabrovo and Sevlievo

Project Target Groups
Local population of the villages engaged into the project and the members of the LIG

Goal and expected impacts
To contribute to biodiversity protection in the area of Vitata stena by engaging the local population in ecotourism development

Impacts: protection of at least 1 global significant bird specie and wider range of other protected bird species and a habitat of about 2600 ha
Utilization of solar energy for production of electricity and energy flow management monitoring system in Eldorod hotel.

Objectives
To contribute to ensuring legislative and organizational framework for sustainable management of the Natura 2000 site Vitata stena
To demonstrate to local community benefits for their wellbeing by ecotourism
To build local community capacity for further successful development of ecotourism in the region

Major activities
Local ecotorusim development plan
Biodiversity inventory and drafting elements of management plan for Natura 2000 site
Infrastructure development on 2 ecotrials for walking, horse and bicycling tourism
Establishment of visitors centre on biodiversity in Zdravkovets village
Development of 2 interpretation programs
Development of 2 tourist products
Training of guides/interpretators and other tourism quality trainings
Marketing
Series of regional workshops for experience dissemination

Sustainability
The project is designed by a LIG composed of small local businesses understanding that individual success depends on common actions and biodiversity protection. They will continue to maintain the infrastructure and will lead the development of ecotourism in the area.