Since a number of years Le Balkan works on the development of a concrete programme to protect the winter sites of the Red-breasted Goose (Branta ruficollis) along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. The area shows a high variability of different habitats and is situated on the junction of a number of biogeographic influences as well as along the so-called "Via Pontica Flyway", which is one of the two most important migratory routes of birds in Europe.

The Red-breasted Goose is probably the most beautiful goose species in the world. Its spectacular plumage, a mixture of black, white and rusty red, reflects a generous gesture of the Siberian nature.

This colourful bird breeds in the extreme north of the arctic tundra, in the heart of Taimyr Peninsula. Each year the majority of the world population of the Red-breasted Goose has to fly thousands of kilometres to reach its winter sites in Bulgaria. Situated in the most northeastern part of the country, along the Black Sea coast, the Lakes Shabla and Durankoulak accommodate about 90 % of the world population. Therefore these refuges in the middle of the wintering area are most important for the protection of the species from extinction.