Justification
There is unrealized potential for the use of wetland biomass in Bulgaria as an alternative energy source. The aim of the project is to demonstrate the economic benefits of using biomass as a local energy source in combination with the management and maintenance of biodiversity.

Location
Bulgaria, the town of Belene, the village of Oresh
Persina Nature Park, Kaikusha Protected Site (N 43°36'00" E 25°11'00")

Project Target Groups
Persina Nature Park Directorate
Tourists in Persina Nature Park, more specifically information centre visitors
Local agricultural producers
Regional producers of pellets and other biomass products
Locals, local owners of hotels and residential buildings, small and medium businesses with potential to change from solid fuels (coal and wood) to biomass
Public owners of buidings, kindergartens, community centres, administrations, etc.

Goal and expected impacts
The project envisages the development and introduction of a heating installation based on biomass and solar energy in Persina Nature Park Directorate as a way to demonstrate the possibilities and potential of biomass from wetlands as a local energy source and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by saving electricity; maintenance and management of wetlands as ecosystems of priority importance.

Objectives and expected results
Tangible reduction of the ??2 emissions of Persina Nature Park Directorate and promotion of applicable practices for combating climate change
Restoring the water regime of Kaikusha Marsh
Developing a scheme for maintaining priority species and habitats in the marsh by management of the biomass of reed, bulrush, sedge, etc.

Major activities
1. Developing a heating installation based on pellets and a solar collector for warm water in the building of Persina Nature Park.
2. Wetland restoration in Kaikusha Protected Site
3. Pilot production of reed pellets from biomass, suitable for heating installations.
4. Exposition and promotion of the project results in the model area
5. Promotion of renewable energy sources and wetlands on a national level and attracting broad public support

Partnership with GEF SGP proposals/projects
WWF aims to cooperate within all projects under GEF SGP in the region

Sustainability
The main project partner ? Persina Nature Park Directorate ? is a state institution financed by the state budget. This defines the long-term financial and institutional stability of the project, which in turn will ensure the rational use of the project products and the return of investments.