Justification:
The current project is a natural and logical continuation of the long-term efforts of FWFF in ecosystems? conservation in the Kotel Mountain. Followed by several nature conservation projects implemented here, now FWFF is the most active and strong NGO in the region. More than 200 local people and companies have been attracted to FWFF activities in Kotel. Nowadays FWFF possess about 350 000 leva in land, farms and livestock here. The major results were reintroduction of the extinct Griffon Vulture, the successful stimulation of natural return of the Egyptian Vulture, reestablishment of the transhumance of livestock, strong improvement of some world threatened species? habitats. The next step is the great support to organic farming in the target area. Only this will ensure the sustainable conservation of wildlife and successfully maintaining and even increasing of up ?to-date FWFF achievements in the region.
Location: Kotel Mountain GPS coordinates 42°51?54? N, 26°25?25?E; Region: Eastern Balkan Mountain, District: Sliven, Municipality: Kotel, Settlements: Kotel, Borinci, Neikovo, Kipilovo, Strelci, Ticha, Jerava, Medven, Special Protected Area Kotel Mountain under the EU Birds Directive. Nature reserves: ?Kersenlika? and ?Orlitsata?;
Project Target Groups:
Local farmers, local tourist business, consumers of bio-food, FWFF? farms, entire local community.
Goal and expected impacts:
Valorization of biodiversity through involvement of local community in application of organic farming practices.
Objectives and expected results:
Promotion of organic farming as a tool to fight poverty in the region of Kotel Mountain and protect nature. FWFF will involve local people in certified organic production of livestock and fodder and will help restoration of some traditional practices for milk, wool and meat production.
Major activities
- Selection of land plots owned by FWFF for organic production of forage (hay, Lucerne, wheat etc.).
- Certification of the land plots and the livestock herds of FWFF for organic production.
- Creation of small milking hall and dairy.
- Purchase of small scale equipment for hay collection
- Purchase of small herd of autochthonous light weighted and thus nature friendly to raise in mountains breed of cattle known as Bulgarian Grey Cow.
- Founding of Society of organic farmers and producers in Kotel Mountain.
- Editing of a guide for organic production in Kotel Mountain.
- Collection of acorns to be used as a natural organic fodder for livestock ? beneficial also for the involved poor people of Kotel Mountain
Partnership with GEF SGP proposals/projects:
To be clarified, but the experience of Foundation BIOSELENA?s project for organic farming in Dabovitsa will be highly appreciated.
Sustainability:
FWFF receives EU subsidy for conventional farming. Now it will be included also some additional subsidies for organic farming. This provides some extra income, but the specific market orientation of the production will be looked for and hopefully achieved soon.
Project Budget ? Total Budget: 95 132 BGN, GEF- SGP contribution: 44 962 BGN or 47.26%