The system of protected areas in Bulgaria in terms of the implementation of the concepts of sustainable and alternative tourism

Leonidov Georgiev

doi:10.5937/geopan1003083g

Abstract

Protected areas hold a special position in terms of the sustainable socio-economic and tourism development of the planet. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has created a specific classifying system for categorization of such areas depending on their nature-scientific and conservation value and significance. Except for preserving valuable biological species and their natural habitats, these areas could fulfill one more function. They can be integrated and contribute to the sustainable development of all spheres of socio-economic life of the community. This paper sets the aim to determine to what extent and what categories of protected areas in Bulgaria could be integrated into the tourism sector of the country and to contribute that way to its sustainable development. Ecotourism is considered as main tool to achieve this goal. Two concepts are laid upon its successful implementation. These are the concept for sustainable development and the one for development of alternative forms of tourism. The thesis that the concept for development of alternative forms of tourism is thought to compliment the one for development of sustainable tourism.

Highlights

The rapid industrial development undergoing for the last decades of the XX century has lead to a series of socio-economic transformations causing serious negative impact on the natural resources of the planet
This paper aims to reveal to what categories of Bulgarian protected areas could be used for the purposes of sustainable tourism practices
Within their territories are to be established subregions, microregions and tourism centres. The latter will represent the main structural units for tourism planning and management of the regions. Despite their tourism product profile each region and special protection areas on their territory as well as all activities aimed at natural habitats and /or animal species conservation require measuring and evaluation of the level of tourism activity with a view to the ecological standards and their long-term sustainability

Summary

Introduction

The rapid industrial development undergoing for the last decades of the XX century has lead to a series of socio-economic transformations causing serious negative impact on the natural resources of the planet. Protected areas are of special importance for the long-term sustainability of nature for their diversity of plant and animal species and valuable genetic fund. Their significance in the scope of nature conservation predetermines their overall role for the sustainable development of the socio-economic living of people on the Earth. Due to the fact that they have specific nature and characteristics the International Union for Conservation of Nature has adopted a special system for categorization of different types of protected areas. One of the newly adopted functions of these areas is their application in tourism concerning their eco-friendly exploitation for the purposes of sustainable tourism

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