The small and not too high mountain of Belasitsa can be found at the remotest southwestern region of this country, bordering with Greece and Macedonia. The Tumba Peak is centered in the partition, while its slopes descend in all three directions. About 1/3 of the mountain’s territory is in Bulgaria, along with its highest peak of Radomir /2,029 m/. Back in 2007 it was proclaimed the latest Bulgarian natural park – a part of the Balkan Green Belt and the Natura 2000 network.

Belasitsa is still relatively unknown, because it used to be a border area until two decades ago. Hence for the still nice surprises it has for scientists and keen travelers. One can feel the strong character of this small mountain yet at its foot, as its vertical ridges give the feeling of an unapproachable wall. We learn all this thanks to Mrs. Dobromira Dimova, a deputy head of the team that has recently prepared the mountain’s management plan. Belasitsa combines chestnut and plane tree forests, it is also full of wild rivers and lots of small waterfalls.

“The Oriental plane natural forests are quite limited in Bulgaria and the chestnut ones are few,” the expert explains. “Belasitsa is unique with this. Moreover, we can see here at some spots a charming combination of both, unlike anywhere else. Besides that, there are many interesting and rare plant species, the different orchids being the most beautiful ones. One can still spot rare bird species – woodpeckers, daylight raptors etc., amidst the older beech forests. When we toured pupils around the mountain last year my colleague the ornithologist had to stop each 10 m to show and explain, while we listened to the song of the birds…”

Belasitsa also surprises with its numerous waterfalls – one can be seen above almost each of its villages.

“Belasitsa is a very steep mountain, which makes it hard to climb, but it’s worth the effort on the other hand,” Mrs. Dimova goes on to say. “You can enjoy the shadow of unique forests of plane trees, chestnuts and, in its higher parts - of beech trees. The magnificent view of marvelous waterfalls will spell you. However, the two hard hours of climbing are awarded there, where no trees can be found. The long and narrow ridge can guarantee a spectacular view to all directions – to the Dojran Lake in Macedonia, to the Kerkini one in Greece, to the gorgeous peaks of Pirin and the soft curves of the Slavjanka Mountain in Bulgaria…”

Over 1,200 plant species, or 1/3 of Bulgaria’s flora have been found in this border area between the Mediterranean and the Continental regions. 102 of these species are rare or endangered ones, 25 are Balkan and 2 - Bulgarian endemic species; 38 plants are listed in the Red Book, while 29 are protected by the CITES convention. 36 endemic, 44 rare and relict insect species can be found here. The park provides shelter to a list of vertebrates – 8 amphibians, 15 reptile species, 120 bird ones and over 50 mammals.

The century-old chestnut forests in Belasitsa are internationally protected either. There are two protected areas at the foot of the mountain – Babite, as a buffer zone to the park and Topilishte, protecting a deposit of royal fern. The Kongura reserve takes an area of 1,312 ha around the peak of the same name, as of 1988. Its goal is to protect the natural forest beech and chestnut ecosystems.

The management plan accentuates on the protection and increasing of the natural forests. Any forestry activities are banned for 2 percent of the forest and the picking of chestnuts should take place in a sustainable manner. Locals have good traditions, as far as this is concerned, Mrs. Dimova assures.

“Local people do have the protective approach, as they are aware of next year’s harvest. Problems often occur due to outside pickers, who tend to vandalize, to break the branches etc.”

The chestnut image is now a trade mark of the Belasitsa natural park. The annual chestnut fest has been bringing together more and more fans as of 2010. The region has the true tourist potential, regarding routes both inside Bulgaria, or trilateral ones.

English version: Zhivko Stanchev