State of the Environment Bulgaria 2003
What is causing the problems?
One of the most significant contemporary threats to the biological diversification of Bulgaria is the cutting of the old forests for economic purposes. The forests aged 150–200 years have priceless value for Europe’s biodiversity and nature protection. The continued decrease of the forests due to economic interests would lead to irrevocable losses of habitats and destruction of unique ecosystems. Hundreds of plants and animals within the country could disappear.
The urbanization and the extension of the infrastructure also lead to the decrease of many natural and semi-natural habitats.
The periodic drought and the pollution of the environment are the main reasons for attacks by insects and fires in the forests.
The pollution and the contamination of the soil, water and air as a result of usage of chemicals and pesticides put in danger the animate nature and large part of the forests. The intensive agriculture that uses unified seed types decreases the genetic diversity.
The development of the tourist industry has a serious impact on the environment. It is paradoxical that areas that attract tourists because of their natural wealth and beauty are already destroyed and various species there are threatened with extinction.
The movement of exotic species in non – typical for them environment threatens the balance of the ecosystems.
Last update on March 2003