Premier Bulgarian Birding Lodge

on the Northern Black Sea Coast

The construction by the Foundation of a Birding Lodge near Durankulak Lake represents a significant initiative for the Bulgarian Dobrudja. The Lake Durankulak is a Wetland of International Importance, listed under the Convention on Wetlands (signed in Ramsar, Iran, 1971), where the world population of the globally threatened Red-breasted Goose (Branta ruficollis) winters and, in this connection, the construction of the Lodge is one of the most important tasks of the foundation.

 The Lodge is a 2-storey building, of a total built-up area of 532 m², in the traditional Bulgarian architectural style (cf. photo).

It is located close to the Lake proper, not far from the international motorway, at 5 km from the Romanian border (cf. photo).

This is an excellent place for birders, photographers and nature lovers wishing to stay in a warm and friendly atmosphere and enjoy wildlife around protected wetlands and surrounding areas. It offers outstanding birdwatching opportunities for novice and professional birders, including a variety of birding excursions from Bulgarian and Romanian lagoons, along the Black Sea coast, through steppe habitats and ancient wet forests, to steep-sided gorges… Provides for an Eco-Friendly vacation especially for Nature, Wildlife and Photo Tours, Birdwatching Holidays, Hobby Tourism, Fishing, Weekend and Day-trips. The building plot and the Lodge are property of the Foundation Le Balkan-Bulgaria and it is serving as a base for organizing special wildlife tours around the Lake, as well as for realizing some conservation, education and scientific activities.

An ecological exhibition for local, national and international visitors serves to disseminate the principles and obligations for the wise use and conservation of wetlands and their resources; key issues of the Ramsar Convention. The information hall is crucial to launch an education and awareness programme for school children and the local populations. Branta Birding Lodge also provides the infrastructures necessary to hold successful environmental meetings and international seminars. It is expected that its activities will contribute to the sustainable socio-economic development of the region.

 The Foundation “Le Balkan” has a much experience in the field of increasing environmental awareness. It is an internationally recognized nature conservation organisation, which is also an active member of “Eurosite”. Its president, Mr. Pavel Simeonov, is developing East-West links, showing much faith and perseverance.

There is a good relationship established since several years between the Foundation “Le Balkan” and the Ramsar Bureau, and there is an international support provided to the Foundation´s project by many European institutions and NGOs (French GEF, French and Luxembourg ministries of environment, LNVL, MAVA, ENF, Municipalities of Kavarna & Shabla etc.) The project produces a significant impact for conservation, management and wise use of the important natural heritage of Durankulak Lake.

INFOCENTER