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Call for Volunteers
Valid for: April – August 2020
An amazing opportunity is available for you to grab – visit Bulgaria as a volunteer.
The Sun Farm Camp in Eastern Rhodope mountains has a compelling offer: helping local farm & rural tourism development, while you meet local people, face local...
date: 27.12.2019
Transrhodopi Map on European market
Since 1.11.2018, Bulgarian organization Gabi Tour Ltd - coordinator of the travel books and maps, produced during the New Thracian Gold project, made deal with the biggest German book wholesaler MapFox.de.
Deal is about exclusive rights for the MapFox.de to sell all titles under the New Thracian...
date: 01.11.2018
Member of the New Thracian Gold network - nominated for biodiversity support
The travel company Gabi Tour, a member of the New Thracian Gold network, was nominated for a Biodiversity award. Prizes are annually awarded by the Bulgarian Biodiversity foundation in 5 categories: Successful campaign, Best journalist's article, Nature activist, Politician turned to nature...
date: 12.11.2015
“TARPAN: Repainting An Ancient Picture” won the Best Short Documentary award at the Equus Film Festival in New York
“TARPAN: Repainting An Ancient Picture” won last night the Best Short Documentary at the Equus Film Festival in New York! The Tarpan, an extinct type of the Eurasian wild horse, features in this unique half-hour documentary which is the worthy result of over a year of work by Jen Miller...
date: 25.11.2014
Rhodope Mountains in Bulgaria become the seventh rewilding area
The Rhodope Mountains have today officially become a part of the Rewilding Europe initiative, after a period of intensive preparations for it within the region.
– “The Rhodope Mountains are located southeast of Bulgaria’s capital Sofia. It is a very beautiful area and it is...
date: 13.11.2014
One year European bison in the Eastern Rhodopes
The European bison, the largest herbivore in Europe marks its first anniversary in the Eastern Rhodopes, Bulgaria. Their adaptation in this beautiful and rich in biodiversity area proofs that the wildlife could make a comeback. Beside the benefits for the nature the bison contributed to the tourist...
date: 06.11.2014
“The Wild Farm” from NTG Network awarded with Biodiversity Award 2014
„The Wild Farm” in the village of Gorno Pole (Eastern Rhodopes), a member of the New Thracian Gold network is a winner in the Annual Biodiversity Awards 2014. The farm of Blagovesta and Nikolay Vassilievi received the Audience Award in the section “Pro biodiversity...
date: 29.10.2014
Increase of the Griffon vulture population in the Eastern Rhodopes
Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) has completed the annual monitoring of the breeding Griffon vultures population in the Eastern Rhodopes. The growth of the population continues during this breeding season as well, reaching 70 pairs, the BSPB website informs.
The established...
date: 24.08.2014
Guest house in Madrets officially opened
Traditional cooking and hospitable people meet you in the guest house in the village of Madrets. Thehouse is another branch of the New Thracian Gold's network in the Eastern Rhodopes. Besides the house in Madrets, the houses in Gorno pole (Madzharovo area), Rabovo and Popovets (Stambolovo area) are...
date: 16.08.2014
New member of the board of NTG – Bulgaria Foundation
Stefan Avramov, an expert in biodiversity and part of the NTG team is the new member of the board of New Thracian Gold – Bulgaria Foundation. He replaces Martien Lankester who has been member of the board for two years.
The Foundation was established in 2012. Its objectives are: to promote...
date: 29.07.2014
Volunteers from the Netherlands support ecotourism development of the Eastern Rhodopes
Dutch young men Pieter Dijk and Tomas de Gooijer support the ecotourism development in the reserve Studen kladenets in the Eastern Rhodopes by working as volunteers for three weeks from July 2 to 24, 2014. Boosting ecotourism development in Studen kladenets area is New Thracian gold's...
date: 16.07.2014
The European bison in Studen Kladenets Reserve in a larger enclosure
The adaptation process of the European bison in Studen Kladenets Reserve in the Eastern Rhodopes is proceeding successfully and the animals now live in an enlarged enclosure of 12 ha. Just prior to enlarging the enclosure the animals were vaccinated according to a medical scheme developed jointly...
date: 10.07.2014
NTG network and TransRhodope trail at the Green days festival 2014
The New Thracian Gold network was presented as a good practice for destination management at the nternational conference "Food and Nature in Bulgaria Contributing to Green Sustainable Business", organized on May 9, 2014 in the French insitute in Sofia. The subject of the presentation provided by...
date: 09.05.2014
Eastern Rhodopes and NTG in Vesti Gallery
The Eastern Rhodopes and the New Thracian Gold activities are presented in a photo gallery of Vesti.bg. The main topic is the NTG Weekend in the region on 26 and 27 April.
See the gallery: http://www.vesti.bg/galerii/foto/v-iztochnite-rodopi-427 and here is the full programme of the Weekend.
date: 22.04.2014
Europe aims to re-wild its natural spaces
NTG eco tourism coordinator Mihaela Kircheva was the only Bulgarian and European delegate at the International aboriginal tourism conference which took place in Whistler, BC, Canada in April 2014.
NTG presentation attracted quite an attention from the 300 delegates which were amazed by our...
date: 18.04.2014
First tarpan foals in Boynik Planina in the Eastern Rhodopes
This spring, the first three tarpan foals were born in Boynik planina area in Eastern Rhodopes. The first born foal is male and was named Teres after the name of the Thracian king Teres I, the first king of the Odrysian state of Thrace. Two foals were born in the herd near the abandoned village of...
date: 17.04.2014
Open doors weekend in the Eastern Rhodopes in April
The NTG network in the Eastern Rhodopes opens its B&B's, farms and attractions to guests, tourists, local people and friends on 26 and 27 April 2014.
We would like to present the achievements of the NTG five-year work in the region: not with talks, but with concrete results,...
date: 10.04.2014
We lost one more bison
A female European bison in the Studen Kladenets Reserve died last night despite the enormous care and day and night efforts of the NTG team. The results of the necropsy are expected from the the Thracian University in Stara Zagora (Southern Bulgaria).
In October 2013, five European bison have...
date: 09.04.2014
„The Wild World of the Eastern Rhodopes“ visits Haskovo
The exhibition “The Wild World of the Eastern Rhodopes" is in Haskovo (Southern Bulgaria), one of the two administrative centers of the Eastern Rodopes! Inhabitants and guests of the town can see it from 7 to 12 April in the Youth Center (41, Bulgaria Blvrd).
“The Wild World of the...
date: 06.04.2014
NTG Newsletter: 2/2014
The team of New Thracian Gold issued the latest NTG newsletter: 2/2014. Read here the English version.
If you would like to get news from the Eastern Rhodopes, information about the wildlife, eco tourism and organic farming in the region and to know more about the NTG...
date: 04.04.2014
NTG Day at the Bulgarian Embassy in the Netherlands
On 28 March 2014, an interesting NTG event was organised for a selection of invitees at the Bulgarian Embassy in The Hague.
After a five years period of hard work in the Eastern Rhodopes New Thracian Gold project approaches its finish line. In three short contributions Frank Zanderink, NTG team...
date: 02.04.2014
The first Egyptian vultures arrived in the Eastern Rhodopes
The first Egyptian vultures arrived in Bulgaria! Three pairs were observed in their nests in the Eastern Rhodopes, our friends from BSPB inform. Another Egyptian vulture was observed in SPA "Studen Kladenets".
Also, a single bird was spotted in the the Russenski Lom Natural Park - the northest...
date: 25.03.2014
Vulture center in Madzharovo opened the new season with a new exhibition
On the first spring day (22nd March), the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) opened the new tourist season in the Nature conservation center "Eastern Rhodopes" in the town of Madzharovo with a new exhibition. It is a result of the financial support of New Thracian Gold and the...
date: 23.03.2014
Fallow deer were released into the wild in the Eastern Rhodopes
In March, twenty five fallow deer were released into the wild near the village Chernoochene, Kardzhali District.
The deer were transferred by the Hunting Reserve "Studen kladenets". They spent the winter in a fenced area of about 100 decars near the village of Chernoochene to adapt to the...
date: 21.03.2014
NTG is presented in a book about the best practices in the Natura 2000 zones
The New Thracian Gold project and in particular, its organic farming component are presented in the recently published book „For better future: best practices in the Natura 2000 network“. The official launch of the book took place today in Sofia. The NTG expert on biodiversity Stefan...
date: 13.03.2014
A visit to NTG sites in the Eastern Rhodopes
On March 13th, a groups of tour operators, owners and managers of guest houses, tourism and other experts visited three sites in the Eastern Rhodopes where New Thracian Gold works actively: “The Wild Farm” in the village of Gorno Pole, member of NTG network; the Vulture center in...
date: 13.03.2014
The Swedish television films the large herbivores in the Eastern Rhodopes
Photo by Swedish Television, SVT
A Swedish television team works on an episode of the weekly tv-show Mitt i naturen about the large herbivores in the Eastern Rhodopes. At he end of February, a crew of Mitt i naturen, the nature program of the most popular Swedish television channel SVT1,...
date: 11.03.2014
A larger presentation of the NTG results at AGRA 2014
For a fifth year in a row, the New Thracian Gold project participated in the International Agricultural Exhibition AGRA.
The NTG stand was situated in the Palace N: 3 in the International Plovdiv Fair where visitors got information and shared experience with producers from the Eastern Rhodopes....
date: 08.03.2014
Karakachan foals in the area of Kostilkovo village, Municipality of Ivaylovgrad
Recently, the first three foals were born in the herd of the Karakachan horses of the New Thracian Gold in the area of Kostilkovo village, Municipality of Ivaylovgrad (Eastern Rhodopes). All three are male horses and are doingvery well. “We expect the herd to get 4 more foals until the end of...
date: 05.03.2014
NTG at `Fiets en Wandelbeurs`
NTG experts Frank Zanderink and Johan Bekhuis and also our ARK colleague Yvonne Kemp presented the New Thracian Gold project and the Eastern Rhodopes at the ‘Fiets en Wandelbeurs’ (Hike and Bike fair) in Amsterdam, The Netherlands (1-2 March 2014). This was the tenth edition of the...
date: 03.03.2014
NTG Newsletter: 1/2014
The team of New Thracian Gold issued the latest NTG newsletter: 1/2014. Read here the English version.
If you would like to get news from the Eastern Rhodopes, information about the wildlife, eco tourism and organic farming in the region and to know more about the NTG...
date: 08.02.2014
See the Wild World of the Eastern Rhodopes in Plovdiv
Guests and inhabitants of Plovdiv, the second biggest city in Bulgaria have the unique opportunity till the end of February to see the acclaimed NTG exhibition “The Wild World of the Eastern Rhodopes. It is placed in the building of the Municipal Council of Plovdiv (20, A. Veleshki str). Free...
date: 02.02.2014
Bioterra – Ivaylovgrad First in the Eastern Rhodopes Joined the BioTaxi Initiative
The organic tahini factory Bioterra, a member of the New Thracian Gold network in the Eastern Rhodopes is among the first clients of the recently started initiative BioTaxi.
Pavlov organic farm, in partnership with Svilen Kllassanov form the Sun and Moon (shop and restaurant chain in Sofia)...
date: 01.02.2014
Midwinter Waterbird Count 2014 in the Eastern Rhodopes
2450 waterbirds of 17 species have been recorded at the two reservoirs – Kardzhali and Studen Kladenets – and along the Arda River in the Eastern Rhodopes during the traditional Midwinter waterbird count (18 – 19 January 2014).
Traditionally, the the most numerous were mallards...
date: 21.01.2014
Thousands of students fascinated by the unique nature of the Eastern Rhodopes
3400 students got acquainted with the unique nature of Eastern Rhodopes during the last year. They learnt interesting facts about somey of the rarest and protected plant and animal species which are symbols of this rich in biodiversity region.
This is the result from an education project funded...
date: 06.01.2014
Birdwatching in Madzharovo Ranked in Rough Guides 2014
Birdwatching in Madzharovo (Eastern Rhodopes) is one of the Bulgarian highlights in Rough Guides for this year. Bulgaria is eighth in the 2014 edition of the "Top 10 Countries" ranking of British travel guidebook and reference publisher Rough Guides.
Bulgaria is described as an intriguing...
date: 04.01.2014
NTG Newsletter: 12/2013
The team of New Thracian Gold issued the latest NTG newsletter: 12/2013. Read here the English version.
If you would like to get news from the Eastern Rhodopes, information about the wildlife, eco tourism and organic farming in the region and to know more about the NTG...
date: 11.12.2013
TransRhodopi Presented in Sofia and Bansko
The TransRhodope long distance biking route initiated and made by the New Thracian Gold (NTG) was presented and promoted during the Days of the Challenges, an autumn festival of responsible tourism, outdoor activities and adventures in the nature (3-5 December 2013).
The map of the TransRhodopi...
date: 06.12.2013
Seminar on Deer Resettlement
„Resposibly trapping, transportation and resettlement of deer“ was the major topic of the seminar organized by the South East State Forestry Enterprise in collaboration with New Thracian Gold in Strandza Mountain (Gramatikovo and Ropotamo) on 1-2 December.
More than 20 representatives...
date: 03.12.2013
NTG Lost two European Bison in Studen Kladenets
Two European bison – the youngest of five - in the Studen Kladenets Reserve - died after a very short illness and despite the intensive veterinarian care provided by the NTG team. One female bison is under constant observation after being very weak and slowly recovering due to the persistent...
date: 28.11.2013
Workshop on Organic Growing of Herbs
The NTG organic farming coordinator Vladislav Popov was the keynote speaker at the seminar “The herbs as an alternative for the tobacco growing” which took place on November 27 in the village of Stambolovo. NTG was a co-organizer of the seminar together with the National Service for...
date: 27.11.2013
154 Griffon Vultures in the Eastern Rhodopes
On 23 November, BSPB teams counted 154 Griffon vultures in the Eastern Rhodopes, as Sanie Myumyun, one of the Society members reported to the NTG website. The spotted vultures around the town of Kotel were 2, in the Central Balkan – 6, in the Vrachanski Balkan – 6 and in the Kresna...
date: 23.11.2013
32 Hotels with 1000 Beds for Guests and Tourists in the Eastern Rhodopes
The hotel business in Kardzhali is booming. At the end of the year, the hotels in the region are 32 with 1000 beds in total, Standart daily writes. 28 680 overnights were registered in September. Last month, 4 101 guests have visited the region, of which 707 are foreigners, mainly Turks and...
date: 22.11.2013
New Thracian Gold Annual Meeting
On 19 November, the annual meeting of the focus groups of New Thracian Gold took place in the town of Kardzhali. The achievements in the outgoing year and future plans were in the focus of the discussions.
Frank Zanderink, Team Leader of NTG project and Martien Lankester, Executive Director of...
date: 19.11.2013
Launch of TRANSRHODOPI, the newest tourist map to the Rhodopes
On 13 November, TRANSRHODOPI,– the latest tourist map to the Rhodopes, was launched in "Stenata" shop in Sofia. The map presents the most recent and updated information on biking and walking routes from the Trigrad to Ivaylovgrad.
The Long distance route for walking and biking was designed...
date: 13.11.2013
Lecture on NTG in the Netherlands
On November 12th, the New Thracain Gold team leader Frank Zanderink delivered a lecture about the project in the Nature and Environment Center in Weert, The Netherlands. More than 50 people visited the lecture, some of them had already been in Bulgaria. All were
positively amazed by the rich...
date: 12.11.2013
NTG Newsletter: 11/2013
The team of New Thracian Gold issued the latest NTG newsletter: 11/2013. Read here the English version.
If you would like to get news from the Eastern Rhodopes, information about the wildlife, eco tourism and organic farming in the region and to know more about the NTG...
date: 08.11.2013
And the winner is...
The winners of NTG’s third edition of the contest “Eastern Rhodopes - taste the wild nature” are:
Anahid Chalyovska,
Vasil Anastasovski ,
Olya Stoyanova
Herman van der Hart. Travel story competition
In the section for the most interesting travel story, Anahid...
date: 04.11.2013
European Bison Reintroduction in the Eastern Rhodopes
Five European bison, a large endangered herbivorous species were brought in the end of October to the Studen Kladenets Game Reserve in the Eastern Rhodopes. This is the first step of the first reintroduction of the European bison in the Rhodopes, the highlight of the just started two-year project...
date: 27.10.2013
A Reportage on the Organic Tahini Factory in Bulgaria
On 26 October BNT, Bulgarian National Television broadcasted a reportage on the organic tahini factory in the village of Kondovo, Municipality of Ivaylovgrad. Krastyo Deliivanov, petar Ivanov, Assen Kehayov, Iliya Mihalev and other organic producers from the New New Thracian Gold network in the...
date: 26.10.2013
„The Wild World of Eastern Rhodopes” in Varna and Sliven
From 24 October to 25 November 2013, the exhibition of NTG "The Wild World of Eastern Rhodopes" visits Varna (at the Black Sea coast) and Sliven (Central Bulgaria). The official opening in Varna was part of the Holland Day. The Ambassador of the Netherlands Tom van Oorschot and the Mayor of Varna...
date: 24.10.2013
Todor from NTG Eco-club with Golden Medal from National Ecology Competition
Todor Todorov from 12 "b" Class of "Otets Paissii" School in Kardzhali won the first place and the golden medal at the 12th National Science and Ecology Competition that took place in the town of Burgas (at the Black Sea coast) on 19 and 20 October 2013. Todor is one of the most active members in...
date: 21.10.2013
NTG Joined the European Rewilding Network
New Thracian Gold joined the European Rewilding Network (ERN) officially launched during WILD10, the World Wilderness Congress in October in Salamanca, Spain. The ERN aim is to build a living network of many rewilding initiatives supporting rewilding in Europe as a conservation tool and as...
date: 18.10.2013
European Birdwatch Days in Madzharovo
On 5 and 6 October 2013, students from “Yordan Yovkov” High School in Kardzhali visited the Vulture Center in Madzharovo to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the European BirdWatch Days.
The young nature-lovers learnt interesting facts about vultures and the biodiversity of the...
date: 06.10.2013
The Thracian Mountains are nominated as a rewilding area
On October 5th, 2013, the Thracian Mountains (Bulgaria) were announced as a nominated area within Rewilding Europe during WILD 10, the World Wilderness Congress in Salamanca, Spain (4-10 October) and will hopefully soon become part of the Rewillding Europe initiative. The Eastern Rhodopes are part...
date: 05.10.2013
A Second Herd of Tarpans Left for the Eastern Rhodopes
On October 4th, a second herd of wild horses Tarpans left from Gelderse Poort, The Netherlands to Bulgaria. 30 Tarpans are on their way to the Eastern Rhodopes where in September 2011, the first ever in Bulgaria Tarpans have been reintroduced.
The reintroduction of Tarpans in Bulgaria is one of...
date: 04.10.2013
NTG Newsletter: 10/2013
The team of New Thracian Gold issued the latest NTG newsletter: 10/2013. Read here the English version.
If you would like to get news from the Eastern Rhodopes, information about the wildlife, eco tourism and organic farming in the region and to know more about the NTG...
date: 03.10.2013
Deadline of NTG Contest „Eastern Rhodopes – Taste the Wild Nature“ extended till 15 October
The deadline for submitting photos and travel stories for the NTG Contest „Eastern Rhodopes – taste the wild nature“ is extended with two weeks – until October 15th, 2013.
In 2013, New Thracian Gold (NTG) project organizes for the third time two contests...
date: 01.10.2013
Autumn Orchids Blooming in the Eastern Rhodopes
Autumn Lady's Tresses (Spiranthes spiralis) are blooming now in Eastern Rhodopes. The beautiful orchid can be observed in Madzharovo and Ivaylovgrad area.
Autumn Lady’s Tresses is a small orchid which rarely exceeds 20 cm in height. Its beautiful white flowers are spirally arranged along the...
date: 28.09.2013
Wildlife Comeback in Europe Study Released
The Eurasian beaver, European bison and White-tailed eagle have all been highlighted as species that have made a remarkable comeback in Europe over the past 50 years, according to a first ever in-depth report released today (26 September).
Scientists from the Zoological Society of London (ZSL),...
date: 26.09.2013
NTG Workshop on the Natural Grazing
On 26 September, New Thracian Gold organized a workshop “Cattle and horses in the Eastern Rhodopes. Husbandry in natural conditions or natural grazing?” in the Nature conservation center Eastern Rhodopes in the town of Madzharovo. The target group of the workshop were local breeders...
date: 26.09.2013
Increase of the tourists to the Eastern Rhodopes thanks to NTG
In 2013, a huge increase of the number of tourists visiting family hotels, guest houses and tourist attractions from the New Thracian Gold network in the Eastern Rhodopes is registered compared to the same period last year. The basis period for calculating these figures was January –...
date: 25.09.2013
A week till the deadline of NTG Contest „Eastern Rhodopes – Taste the Wild Nature“
The deadline for submitting photos and travel stories for the NTG Contest „Eastern Rhodopes – taste the wild nature“ expires in a week – October 1st, 2013. In 2013, New Thracian Gold (NTG) project organizes for the third time two contests „Eastern Rhodopes...
date: 24.09.2013
„The Wild World of the Eastern Rhodopes“ is in Burgas
The exhibition “The Wild World of the Eastern Rhodopes" is in Burgas, at the Black Sea coast! Inhabitants and guests of the town can see it from today (18 September) to midst of October in the Nature Science Museum (30, Fotinov Str.).
“The Wild World of the Eastern Rhodopes" presents...
date: 18.09.2013
NTG at the Day of the Associations
New Thracian Gold project was presented at the traditional Day of the associations, which is organized every year on the first Sunday of September in Montpellier, Southern France. The brochure issued by the project in 2012, presents tourist attractions and activities in the Eastern Rhodopes. The...
date: 09.09.2013
NTG at the Festival “Culinary Heritage of Thrakia”
For a second consecutive year, New Thracian Gold participated in the Festival of traditional food, vocation and crafts “Culinary heritage of Thrakia” in Ivaylovgrad (6-7 September 2013).
On the first Festival day, Dr. Vladislav Popov, NTG coordinator on organic agriculture presented...
date: 08.09.2013
International Vulture Day in Madzharovo
On 7 September 2013, more than one hundred people visited Nature Conservation center “Eastern Rhodopes” to celebrate the International Vulture Awareness Day (IVAD). The interest of kids and their parents was aroused by the free film screenings and lectures which presented the life of...
date: 07.09.2013
NTG Newsletter: 9/2013
The team of New Thracian Gold issued the latest NTG newsletter: 9/2013. Read here the English version.
If you would like to get news from the Eastern Rhodopes, information about the wildlife, eco tourism and organic farming in the region and to know more about the NTG...
date: 04.09.2013
Walking on the TransRhodopi
From 4 to 25 August, seven foreigners walked on the tourist “Sultain's Trail” (Vienna – Istanbul) part of which on the TransRhodopi, the long distance route made by New Thracian Gold. Sedat Shakir, an initiator of the “Sultain's Trail” and chairperson of the Foundation...
date: 29.08.2013
NTG at Dutch Bird Fair - 2013
New Thracian Gold was present at the Dutch Bird Fair, the largest nature event in the Netherlands. It took place on 24 and 25 August 2013 in the Oostvaardersplassen in Lelystad.
Thousands of people had visited the two day fair and hundreds of them visited the desk of NTG, team leader Frank...
date: 27.08.2013
A Newborn Tarpan in the Eastern Rhodopes
Recently, a new foal was born in the herd of the wild horses Tarpans in the Eastern Rhodopes. The newborn Nachko and his mother Nupta are doing very well.
This is the third newborn this year in the Tarpan heard in the Eastern Rhodopes. Despite the hot summer and the long drought the horses are in...
date: 25.08.2013
Fallow Deer Released in the Eastern Rhodopes
Recently, the first Fallow deer have been released from the temporary enclosure near the village of Tintyava in the Eastern Rhodopes. The released animals feel very well and started to explore the area around the enclosure and the water sources in the neighbourhood. 25 more animals will join...
date: 18.08.2013
The Wild World of the Eastern Rhodopes in Belasitsa
“The Wild World of the Eastern Rhodopes" photo expo is now in the Nature Park Belasitsa, Southwestern Bulgaria. You can see it in the Directorate of the Park (the village of Kolaravo, 14, Belasitsa Str.) every working day from 9 to 17,30 till September 15th.
“The Wild World of the...
date: 15.08.2013
Farmhopping – an Opportunity for the Organic Producers in the Eastern Rhodopes
Farmhopping – an online platform connecting conventional and organic farms directly with the consumers in the cities - , provides to the organic and in conversion producers of the New Thracian Gold network a perfect opportunity for further developing theirs sales.
“The Wild Farm”...
date: 12.08.2013
Educational Nature Conservation Academy “Madzharovo 2013”
Young nature-lovers from Haskovo, Kardzhali and Burgas region took part in the Educational Nature Conservation Academy “Madzharovo 2013”at Nature Information and Conservation Center “Eastern Rhodopes” from 4 to 9 August 2013. All participants have excellent results in the...
date: 09.08.2013
NTG Newsletter: 8/2013
The team of New Thracian Gold issued the latest NTG newsletter: 8/2013. Read here the English version.
If you would like to get news from the Eastern Rhodopes, information about the wildlife, eco tourism and organic farming in the region and to know more about the NTG...
date: 31.07.2013
Fifth Bread Festival in the Eastern Rhodopes
From 26 to 28 July, the Bread Festival of the Eastern Rhodopes took place for the fifth time in the village of Rabovo, Stambolovo Municipality. It is initiated by the active member of the New Thracian Gold network in the region Petko Angelov – producer of organic einkorn, one of the oldest in...
date: 28.07.2013
Exploration on New Reintroductions of Fallow Deer in the Eastern Rhodopes
New Thracian Gold experts are exploring the opportunities on future reintroductions of Fallow Deer in the Eastern Rhodopes.
Within the scope of the work, meetings with representatives of the hunting societies in the towns of Kardzhali and Momchilgrad have been organized and field study in the area...
date: 25.07.2013
More Griffon Vultures in the Eastern Rhodopes
The population of breeding Griffon vultures in the Eastern Rhodopes keeps a positive trend, reaching 67 pairs in 2013, informs Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB). The organization has just finished the monitoring on the Griffon vultures in the region.
Three years ago, pairs were...
date: 18.07.2013
First Red Deer Offspring in Studen Kladenets Reserve
Recently, a Red Deer has been observed in the Game Reserve “Studen Kladenets”. This is the first Red Deer offspring born in the area where in 2012, New Thracian Gold started pilot activities on the reintroduction of the species. NTG experts assume that a few other newborn Red Deer will...
date: 15.07.2013
NTG – Appeal for Protection of Tortoises
New Thracian Gold appeals to people not to collect tortoises for food or pets! If you see someone gatherering tortoases, immediately call 112 or the nearest Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Waters! Tortoises are endangered reptile species listed in the Red List of the International Union...
date: 14.07.2013
NTG did not Participate in Uzana Fest - 2013 due to Theft
An impudent theft precluded New Thracian Gold from participating in Uzana Polyana Fest - 2013 (12-14 July 2013). All organic products of NTG network, information and promotion materials on the Eastern Rhodopes, maps and guidebooks to the regions NTG intended to present at the three-day festival...
date: 13.07.2013
Dutch Students did Internship in NTG
This spring, four Dutch students – Bart Meijer (24), Michiel Poolman (23), Anneloes Tukker (19) and Twan Uijlen (20) did their internship in the Eastern Rhodopes for New Thracian Gold project (wilderness component).
Bart and Michiel, students in Forestry and Nature...
date: 04.07.2013
„The Wild World of the Eastern Rhodopes“ is Exposed in the Visitor Center of National Park Rila
After Sofia, Kardzhali and Blagoevgrad “The Wild World of the Eastern Rhodopes" will be exposed in July in the Visitor and Tourist Information Center of National park Rila (the village of Panichishte, Sapareva Banya Municipality). The first visitors can see it today, July 2nd.
“The...
date: 02.07.2013
Organic Producers Can Apply for Modernization of Farms
Important for the orgcanic producer network of New Thracian Gold in the Eastern Rhodopes: From July 1 to July 12 the regional directorates of Agriculture Fund accept applications under Measure 121 "Modernization of agricultural holdings". The availabe budget is 2.2 million euros.The prganic...
date: 01.07.2013
NTG Newsletter: 7/2013
The team of New Thracian Gold issued the latest NTG newsletter: 7/2013. Read here the English version.
If you would like to get news from the Eastern Rhodopes, information about the wildlife, eco tourism and organic farming in the region and to know more about the NTG activities,...
date: 28.06.2013
NTG Organic Farmers had an Experience Exchange Trip
From 9 to 15 June, 15 organic producers and processors from the network of New Thracian Gold were on an experience exchange trip in Austria, Slovenia and Croatia. The group was selected among 35 organic products producers and included the most committed and active members of the NTG network in the...
date: 19.06.2013
Regional Bird Contest Supported by NTG
Sasha Solakchieva from “Otec Paisii” Secondary School in Kardzhali took the first place at the regional stage of the Bird contest on June 15th in Haskovo. She was followed by Yoana Mitkova from “Neofit Rilski” Secondary School in Harmanli and Hristina Hristova from...
date: 15.06.2013
Discovering the Eastern Rhodopes Again
Kichka Dyankova, the winner of NTG contest for journey notes "Eastern Rhodopes - taste the wild" in 2012 has rediscovered the beauty of the area in May this year. Her award was a weekend for two in Ivaylovgrad but Kichka has organized a longer travel through the Eastern Rhodopes. And again came...
date: 14.06.2013
Share of Experience Trip of NTG Organic Farmers to Austria, Slovenia and Croatia
From 9 to 19 June, 15 organic producers and processors from the network of New Thracian Gold project will pay an educational visit to Austria, Slovenia and Croatia. The aim is to exchange experience between the Bulgarian and European organic farmers and organic processors.
The group was selected...
date: 09.06.2013
Biking tour in the Eastern Rhodopes
In June, New Thracian Gold and partners from House for Adventures organised a five-day biking tour as the ultimate test for the Long-Distance-Trail, connecting the Western and Eastern Rhodopes. This promo biking tour went all the way from the village of Momchilovci to the village of Madrets. Four...
date: 07.06.2013
NTG in ARK’s annual report 2012
Several items about New Thracian Gold activities and the beautiful region of the Eastern Rhodopes are published in the ARK annual report JaARKrant 2012 (in Dutch). ARK – jointly with Avalon – is the Dutch organization actively working on NTG project in Bulgaria.
Page 8 is fully devoted...
date: 06.06.2013
The „Wild World of the Eastern Rhodopes“ Visits Blagoevgrad
“The Wild World of the Eastern Rhodopes" – the exposition that enjoyed a great interest in Sofia and in Kardzhali in April and May - is visiting now Blagoevgrad, Southwestern Bulgaria. The first day when the inhabitants and guests of the town can see it in front of the Regional...
date: 05.06.2013
13 Photographers participated in a Photo Workshop in the Eastern Rhodopes
From 31 May to 2 June, thirteen photographers participated in a photo workshop in the Eastern Rhodopes organized by New Thracian Gold jointly with Photosynthesis. The photo team had the opportunity to take unique wildlife photos in the two new photo hides in the region: in ...
date: 03.06.2013
Baby boom for Fallow Deer in “Studen Kladenets” Reserve
The local newspaper “Nov Zhivot” published an article at the end of May about the new born Fallow Deer in “Studen Kladenets” Reserve. Director Georgi Sheremetev expects about 500 new borns.
The number of visitors to the reserve has increased with the opening of the new...
date: 31.05.2013
NTG Newsletter: 6/2013
The team of New Thracian Gold issued the latest NTG newsletter: 6/2013. Read here the English version.
If you would like to get news from the Eastern Rhodopes, information about the wildlife, eco tourism and organic farming in the region and to know more about the NTG activities,...
date: 29.05.2013
Film on the Bulgarian Tarpans
Horsefly Films' Sophie Dia Pegrum and Jen Miller have returned home to the USA to begin work editing their film on the Bulgarian Tarpans. They have spent six days in May in the Eastern Rhodopes where in 2011 Tarpans have been reintroduced.
“The Bulgarian Tarpans” is going to be...
date: 26.05.2013
Research of the Agro-biodiversity in the Eastern Rhodopes Continues
A group of experts made a second visit to the Eastern Rhodopes from 20 to 23 May in order to continue the research of the local agro-biodiversity. Specialists from the Austrian Council for Agro-engineering and Rural Development - the oldest and leading Austrian organization dealing with...
date: 24.05.2013
First Organic Tahini Factory in Bulgaria Opened
On May 23rd, the first organic tahini factory in Bulgaria - BIOTERRA – IVAYLOVGRAD Ltd. - was officially opened in the village of Kondovo, Municipality Ivaylovgrad. Its opening becomes possible thanks to the expert and financial support by the Bulgarian-Dutch project New Thracian Gold (NTG)...
date: 23.05.2013
Dutch Ambassador Received the first copy of the booklet on the Eastern Rhodopes
On 22 May, the booklet "Discover the magic of the Eastern Rhodopes" was presented at a special event in the Kardzhali Regional Historical Museum. Dutch Ambassador to Bulgaria Mr. Karel van Kesteren received the first copy of the booklet. Kardzhali Mayour and around 40 people - Bulgarian and...
date: 22.05.2013
International Biodiversity Day Celebrated in Kardzhali
On the 22nd May, for twentieth consecutive year the whole world celebrated the International Biodiversity Day.
In Kardzhali, in the center of this year’s celebration was the unique Heron colony located in the heart of the town. The event is organized by the Bulgarian Society for the...
date: 22.05.2013
The Wild World of the Eastern Rhodopes in Kardzhali
“The Wild World of the Eastern Rhodopes" – the exposition that enjoyed a great interest in Sofia end of April/begin of May - is now in Kardzhali. You can see it in Kardzhali Regional Historical Museum till 31 May. First who saw the exhibition where the inhabitants and guests of the...
date: 19.05.2013
Rewilding Europe Concept Presented in Sofia
The Rewilding Europe concept to which the region of the Eastern Rhodopes has a great chance to join, was presented at a special event on May 17 (Friday) at Credo Bonum Gallery in Sofia.
Minister of Environment and Water Julian Popov and Dutch Ambassador Karel van Kesteren attended the event....
date: 17.05.2013
NTG at Kartali 2013
NTG biodiversity coordinator Hristo Hristov made a presentation on „Wilderness and natural grazing“ during the nature conservational educational camp Kartali (7 – 11 May).
He presented to the participants in the camp the NTG activities for the restoration of the components of...
date: 11.05.2013
Lecture on Development of Sustainable Tourism in the Eastern Rhodopes
On May 9th, NTG coordinator on ecotourism Mihaela Kircheva delivered a lecture in Otets Paissii School in Kardzhali on “Adventures in the wildlife and development of sustainable tourism in the Eastern Rhodopes".
She introduced the young people to the concept of New Thracian Gold and...
date: 09.05.2013
Felt Atelier in “The Wild Farm”
Residents and guests of Gorno Pole (Eastern Rhodopes) participated in the first ever Felt atelier organized from 6 to 8 May in the guesthouse "Wild Farm", member of New Thracian Gold network.
Cecile Boesten (The Netherlands) and Nadezhda Philipova (Bulgaria) – both very experienced in...
date: 08.05.2013
NTG Newsletter: 3/2013
The team of New Thracian Gold issued the latest NTG newsletter: 5/2013. Read here the English version.
If you would like to get news from the Eastern Rhodopes, information about the wildlife, eco tourism and organic farming in the region and to know more about the NTG activities, subscribe...
date: 30.04.2013
The Season of the Orchids in the Eastern Rhodopes Starts
Hundreds of wild orchids are blooming now in the Eastern Rhodopes. The most numerous are in the area of Ivaylovgrad known as the paradise for the lovers of these beautiful flowers.
In the Eastern Rhodopes, you can see almost 30 species of orchids. Among them are the Butterfly Orchid (Orchis...
date: 29.04.2013
Minister and Ambassador Received Crossbill Guidebook to Eastern Rhodopes
Minister of Environment and Waters Julian Popov and Dutch Ambassador Karel van Kesteren were the first official persons who received Crossbill guidebook to the Eastern Rhodopes. Our NTG colleague Johan Bekhuis hand them the guidebook at the beginning and at the end the Orange Bike Tour on 26 April...
date: 26.04.2013
NTG at Green Days 2013
Welcome to the tent of the New Thracian Gold at Green Days Festival of responsible tourism from 25 to 28 April 2013. The festival is held every year on the square in front of the National Theatre "Ivan Vazov" in Sofia.
The project team presents the TransRhodopi, Long distance trail for walking and...
date: 25.04.2013
Exhibition The Wild World of the Eastern Rhodopes
26 photos in an outdoor exhibition in Crystal Garden in Sofia from 24 April to 8 May demonstrate the unique nature and biodiversity of the Eastern Rhodopes. The exhibition is organized by New Thracian Gold – Bulgaria Foundation.
In “The Wild World of the Eastern Rhodopes" photo expo...
date: 24.04.2013
Earth Day in the Nature Center “Eastern Rhodopes”
Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB/Birdlife Bulgaria) and more than 40 students and teachers from the local secondary school “Dimitar Madzharov” celebrated the Earth Day (22.04) in Nature conservation and information center “Eastern Rhodopes” (NICCER) in...
date: 22.04.2013
Two Winners in the NTG Radio Quiz
Koycho Koev from Sofia and Vladimir Popov from Kardzhali are the winners of the NTG Quiz in the show for radio traveling “And now where to?”on BNR, Bulgarian National Radion (Hristo Botev Program) broadcasted live on April 19th.
The major question was Do you know what the new Thracian...
date: 19.04.2013
Lectures on the Biodiversity in the Eastern Rhodopes
The team of Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds within the project “Promoting the Nature Information and Conservation Center in Madzharovo and increasing awareness of the wildlife heritage in the Eastern Rhodopes” during April made presentations about the...
date: 18.04.2013
Accommodation places in the Eastern Rhodopes
For first time New Thracian Gold presents catalog of accommodation places in the Eastern Rhodopes, financially supported by the owners of the houses and hotels in the area. All the partners of the tourism component of the project are included - 15 sites in total.
Five more guest houses, are about...
date: 15.04.2013
Crossbill Guidebook: A New Perfect Guide to the Eastern Rhodopes
On 12 April, the European Crossbill Guides Foundation published its guidebook to the Eastern Rhodopes. Ecotourists and naturalists can be very happy to have such professional and specialized nature guide to the Eastern Rhodopes, one of the regions in Europe with the highest biodiversity.
The...
date: 12.04.2013
The First Two Griffon Vultures Hatched in the Eastern Rhodopes
The first Tto Griffon Vultures for 2013 hatched in the Eastern Rhodopes, NTG coordinator on wilderness Hristo Hristov informs.
The biggest in Bulgaria natural population of Griffon Vulture is in the Eastern Rhodopes: along the Arda River.
In February, the birdmonitoring showed a record high...
date: 11.04.2013
Beautiful Anemone Pavolina Blooms in the Eastern Rhodopes
The colorful Peacock anemone (Anemone pavonina) is a very striking early spring flower in the meadows and forests of the Eastern Rhodopes. Early April the NTG wilderness officers found the first blooming plants.
The Peacock anemone reaches a height of 10-30 cm and prefers dry grassy and rocky...
date: 09.04.2013
Again awards for two wine producers from NTG at Winery 2013
Two wine producers from the Network of "New Thracian Gold" (NTG) were awarded at Winery 2013: - 1st prize in the category of red wines for “Tsareva polyana” wine (Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon) of Dimcho Dimitrov (supported by firm “Block Sten BG Standard” of Yonko...
date: 06.04.2013
Introduction to the Unique Biodiversity of the Eastern Rhodopes
First week of April, a team of the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB/Birdlife Bulgaria) visited nine schools in Haskovo town and the region.
More than 520 students between 7 – 17 years old got acquainted with the unique biodiversity in the Eastern Rhodopes. They...
date: 05.04.2013
The Herons are back to Kardzhali!
Early April, the first herons returned to the Heron colony on the Arda island in Kardzhali and began to prepare for the breeding season.
In Kardzhali Heron colony nest Little Egret, Little Bittern, Night Heron and Pigmy Cormorant. In May 2012 Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides) started nesting as...
date: 04.04.2013
Lecture for Boinik mountain
"The vanishing world of unprotected area Boinik Mountain" was the topic of a lecture by the biodiversity expert of "NTG" Stefan Avramov at the Biological Faculty of Sofia University on 3 April. Boinik Mountain area is located on the southern shores of the lake "Studen Kladenets" in the Eastern...
date: 03.04.2013
First Tarpan Foal for 2013
With the arrival of spring to the Eastern Rhodopes a good news came - the first 2013 Tarpan foal was born in the herd of wild horses living since 2011 near to the abandoned village of Sbor, Krumovgrad Municipality.
The new foal feels welland it can be seen rushing on the green slopes of the...
date: 02.04.2013
NTG in the Yearbook of Plovdiv Chamber of Commerce and Industry
For the first time, New Thracian Gold project is included in the biggest book of the business in Plovdiv (Southern Bulgaria) – the Yearbook of Plovdiv Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
An article about NTG (in Bulgarian and in English) is published on page 135.
Plovdiv Chamber of Commerce...
date: 01.04.2013
Area Field of Astracantha Thracica Declared Protected
The site "Field of Astracantha thracica“ in the area of the village Vodentsi, Municipality of Stambolovo (Eastern Rhodopes) will be declared a protected site for the conservation of Astracantha thracica and its habitat. This has been announced by the Bulgarian Ministry of Environment...
date: 26.03.2013
First Egyptian Vultures are back to Bulgaria
The first Egyptian vultures for this year were spotted in “Studen Kladenets” Hunting Reserve in the protected area with the same name, part of Natura 2000. Click here to see the the footage from the video camera.
The Egyptian Vulture is a migratory species: they migrate every year to...
date: 25.03.2013
Eastern Rhodopes Joined Earth Hour 2013
On March 23, from 20:30 to 21:30 Kardzhali and Haskovo, the centers of the two provinces of the Eastern Rhodopes, joined Earth Hour 2013. The initiative is organized by World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Two more towns in the region - Zlatograd and Kirkovo - joined, too.
103 – a record high number...
date: 23.03.2013
NTG Newsletter: 3/2013
The team of New Thracian Gold issued the latest NTG newsletter: 3/2013. Read here the English version.
If you would like to get news from the Eastern Rhodopes, information about the wildlife, eco tourism and organic farming in the region and to know more about the NTG activities, subscribe...
date: 22.03.2013
What do the Photo Traps in “Studen Kladenets” Capture?
The team of New Thracian Gold continues monitoring the behaviour of the recently released Red Deer in the area of Studen Kladenets Game Reserve.
The monitoring is done with two photo traps.Additionally the NTG wildlife officers and the gamekeepers of the reserve go out searching for tracks...
date: 19.03.2013
Kukeri Day in Ivaylovgrad
In March 16th, the snow did not stop the kukeri (costumed mummers) of the Ivaylovgrad neighborhood Ladzha to chase away the evil spirits with scary masks and ringing of bells.
At the end of winter and begin of spring Ivaylovgrad celebrates Kukeri Day, the traditional Bulgarian ritual to...
date: 16.03.2013
Art with Karakachan Wool
Recently, Dutch artist Cecile Boesten started using the wool of Karakachan sheep in her art: bags, decorative bowls, clothing, necklaces, bracelets, etc. The Karakachan wool is used as a main element and also as a decorative element. The first art pieces with wool enjoy lots of...
date: 15.03.2013
New Thracian Gold Participated in BioAgra 2013
Producers of organic food products form the Eastern Rhodopes, the target area of the Bulgarian-Dutch project New Thracian Gold (NTG) participated in the second edition of BioAgra – a specialized trade exhibition of organic farming, which took place during the 22nd edition of the...
date: 09.03.2013
NTG Works on Photo Hide in the Area of Ivaylovgrad
On March 5th, New Thracian Gold experts Hristo Hristov (biodiversity) and Michaela Kircheva (ecotourism) – together with farmer Todor Mitkov, a member of NTG network – toured in the area of Ivaylovgrad Municipality in search of the most suitable location for the construction of a...
date: 05.03.2013
The Reintroduction of Red Deer in Studen Kladenets Reserve Goes Successfully
The team of New Thracian Gold (NTG) monitors with photo traps the released into the wild Red Deer in Hunting Reserve "Studen Kladenets" (Eastern Rhodopes). The young male deer on the picture has been seen repeatedly on this photo trap during the last two weeks.
In 2012, fifteen Red Deer were...
date: 04.03.2013
National March of Tourists Women in the Eastern Rhodopes
103 women from 41 tourist clubs from all the country participated in the 53rd edition of the National march of tourists women, which this year took place in the Eastern Rhodopes (February 28 - March 3). It was organized by the Bulgarian Tourism Federation and the Tourist Society of Kardzhali.
The...
date: 03.03.2013
Photo Album „Кardzhali“
Kardzhali, one of the two regional centers in the Eastern Rhodopes is presented in the recently published photo album entitled “Kardzhali”. Its authors are Stella Todorova and the historian Vassilka Tashkova.
The readers can learn via photos and short texts about the history and...
date: 02.03.2013
Third edition of NTG Contest „Eastern Rhodopes – Taste the Wild Nature“
In 2013, New Thracian Gold (NTG) project organizes for the third time two contests „Eastern Rhodopes – taste the wild nature“: 1: for the most interesting travel story and 2: for the best photo. We’d like to see in your texts and photos a combination or one of the ...
date: 01.03.2013
You Can Contribute to the NTG Efforts
You can contribute with donations to the efforts of NTG – Bulgaria Foundation for sustainable development of the Eastern Rhodopes or particularly, our work in the three NTG priorities:
Wilderness and biodiversity The wilderness component aims at the restoration and conservation of one of the...
date: 27.02.2013
New Ordinance on Organic Farming Rules Comes into Force
A new ordinance on enforcing the rules about organic farming and control over production and labeling of organic products was promulgated in the Official Gazette (Issue 16, 19.2.2013), the Ministry of Agriculture and Food informs. The ordinance revokes Ordinance 22 dated July 4, 2001 for the...
date: 25.02.2013
NTG Newsletter: 2/2013
The team of New Thracian Gold issued the latest NTG newsletter: 2/2013. Read here the English version.
If you would like to get news from the Eastern Rhodopes, information about the wildlife, eco tourism and organic farming in the region and to know more about the NTG activities, subscribe...
date: 23.02.2013
Fallow Deer in the Area of the Village of Tintyava, Eastern Rhodopes
The first five of the total of 30 Fallow Deer were recently introduced in the area of the village of Tintyava (Kriumovgrad Municipality) in the Eastern Rhodopes. This is the result of the New Thracian Gold (NTG) efforts to reintroduce the Fallow Deer in the territory of the all Eastern...
date: 18.02.2013
Record High Number of Griffon Vultures in the Eastern Rhodopes
From 13 to 16 of February, Griffon vultures monitoring was carried out in the Eastern Rhodopes. All nesting cliffs along Arda river were visited during this survey. 67 pairs in total were registered, 49 of which were incubating while the rest were building nest and courtship displaying. In...
date: 17.02.2013
Training Seminar for NTG Organic Producers
On February 15th, 35 organic and in-conversion NTG producers from the region of the Eastern Rhodopes participated in a training seminar on problems and opportunities in the organic farming in 2013.
The training was organised in the village of Stambolovo by NTG organic farming components in...
date: 15.02.2013
Long Distance Hiking and Biking Route „Trans Rhodopi” at Holiday&SPA EXPO 2013
On February 14th, the Long Distance Hiking and Biking Route “Trans Rhodopi” developed by the Bulgarian-Dutch New Thracian Gold project jointly with twin organizations was presented at a special press conference during the first day of the 30th International Tourist fair Holiday...
date: 14.02.2013
NTG Producer at
Dimo Karaboyukov from New Thracian Gold network participated in the first ever “EcoFest of love and wine”, organized on 13 and 14 February in Sofia. He presented red and white wine from organic grapes.
Karaboyukov grows 52 decares of vineyard with wine and dessert grapes in the area of...
date: 13.02.2013
NTG Agricultural Cooperation in the Eastern Rhodopes – an Example to Follow
More than 200 people informed and trained in organic crop and livestock farming. Seventeen farmers and processors financially supported by the project through a scheme that covers 50% of their organic certification costs for 2011. Two demonstration organic farms established and operating as well as...
date: 11.02.2013
NTG at the “Green Holiday” expo in Haskovo
On February 6th, New Thracian Gold (NTG) presented tourism products and activities of the project in the Eastern Rhodopes at the "Green Holiday" exhibition in Haskovo. The local organic products as honey, tahini and wine were of particular interest among the visitors. Two presentations were held...
date: 06.02.2013
Research on Possibilities for New Photo Hides in the Eastern Rhodopes
On February 5th, the experts on biodiversity in New Thracian Gold Hristo Hristov and Stefan Avramov and on ecotourism e Mihaela Kircheva walked together with Nikolay Vassiliev from "The Wild Farm" in the village of Gorno Pole, partner in the project is the area as part of a research on a...
date: 05.02.2013
NTG Joined World Wetlands Day
On February 2nd, many people of different age enjoying birds that live in the Heron colony in the town of Kardzhali. Some were regular passers-by on the New bridge, others came specially and brought their children.
With monoculars and binoculars they watched birds in flight or perched on...
date: 02.02.2013
Griffon Vultures started Nesting in the middle of winter in the Eastern Rhodopes
Although, the weather is still cold the first pairs of Griffon vultures recently started nesting in the valley of Arda River. The Griffon’s breeding season starts very early in the year because it takes a long time for young vultures to grow up, become self-supporting and get ready for the...
date: 01.02.2013
Usury magazine: Onward to Ivaylovgrad.
"Back to the Nature. Onward to Ivaylovgrad." Under this headline the magazine "Usuri" presents in its January issue an article, about the beautiful area of Ivaylovgrad, its stunning nature and hospitable people. Author of the article is "New Thracian Gold" team member Iva Toncheva Back...
date: 31.01.2013
NTG Newsletter
The team of New Thracian Gold issued the latest NTG newsletter (in Bulgarian and English). Read here the English version.
If you would like to get news from the Eastern Rhodopes, information about the wildlife, eco tourism and organic farming in the region and to know more about the NTG...
date: 30.01.2013
Breath of Spring in the Eastern Rhodopes
The first crocuses started blossoming in the protected site "Momina Skala” (Maiden Rock) near Madzharovo in the Eastern Rhodopes, as New Thracian Gold biodiversity expert Stefan Avramov informs end of January. Although, the winter is in full swing with cold and snow, the breath of...
date: 28.01.2013
Guest House of the NTG Network obtained Tourist Category Star
The guest house "Grocery Trakya" in the village of Popovets, Municipality of Stambolovo, obtained in December the official certificate for its tourist category "one star". The owner of the guest house is Dimo Karaboyukov from the New Thracian Gold network. He accommodates tourists and he is...
date: 22.01.2013
Photo Competition “Grains of love in your lens”
Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds, PhotoSynthesis and Dnevnik announced a photo competition named “Grain of love in your lens” as part of the campaign for the winter feeding of songbirds “Grain of love”. The campaign is supported by “New Thracian...
date: 21.01.2013
Global Market of Organic Food Products Grows
The world market for organic food is predicted to exceed $88,000 million by 2015, according to MarketLine, a near 50% increase in five years. Fruit and vegetables represent the leading segment, representing over 30% of the overall market. Americas represent close to 55% of the organic food...
date: 19.01.2013
„Momina Skala” Route Near Madzharovo
New Thracian Gold experts Hristo Hristov, Mihaela Kircheva and Stefan Avramov collected GPS information about Momina Skala Route that in Madzharovo, goes near the border of Momina Skala protected site and along Ara River turns back to Madzharovo. The route is going to be included in the...
date: 18.01.2013
Two new protected sites for Rare Plants in Kardzhali District
Minister of Environment and Water Nona Karadzhova signed 11 orders for declaring new protected sites with a total size of 126,9 ha.
Among those small reserves are the habitats of Provence orchid (Orchis provincialis) in the area of the village of Apriltsi, Kirkovo...
date: 17.01.2013
New Eco Project for the Eastern Rhodopes
The maintenance of habitats and the conservation of animal populations in the reserves of Zhenda, Borovets, Chamlaka, Boraka and Valchi dol is in the scope of the activities of a new project executed by the Regional Environmental Inspectorate in Haskovo.
The local Nov Zhivot newspaper...
date: 16.01.2013
Wolf Attack on Tarpans in the Village of Sbor
In late December 2012, one of the in Bulgaria new born Tarpan foals died and three adult horses were bitten by wolves as a result of a Wolf attack in the area of the village of Sbor, Krumovgrad Municipality. This is the first attack of wolves since the 12 horses, a rebreed of the...
date: 15.01.2013
New Colony of Grey Heron in the Valley of the Arda River
A colony of 31 nests of Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) has been found in the the valley of the Arda River by the New Thracian Gold (NTG) team during the traditional Midwinter waterbird count (11 - 13 January 2013). Although its existence was assumed previously, the exact location was not discovered...
date: 14.01.2013
NTG Support for Sesame and Tahini Production in the Eastern Rhodopes
The support of the New Thracian Gold (NTG) for successful restoration of sesame and tahini production in the Eastern Rhodopes is presented by Dr. Vladislav Popov, NTG coordinator on organic farming at the NTG, in an article published in the latest issue (N:10) of the agriculture ‘Plant...
date: 13.01.2013
Eastern Rhodopes in Luxury Travel Guide 2013
Bulgaria and the Eastern Rhodopes with its stunning beauty and rich biodiversity are presented in the Luxury Travel Guide 2013 – European edition, released in January by Corporate LiveWire.
By taking a nature tour through the great outdoors you will enrich all of your senses, Mihaela...
date: 12.01.2013
NTG Supports Winter Feeding of Songbirds Campaign „Grain of Love”
Hundreds of Bulgarians took part in the campaign of the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) for the winter feeding of songbirds „Grain of Love”. Many people write they have put their own bird feeders in front of residential blocks or in parks.
BSPB organizes...
date: 03.01.2013
NTG Tourist Attraction in BNT Documentary
On December 30th, the tourist attraction “The Route of Cheese” was presented in the documentary of BNT, Bulgarian National Television on Municipality of Ivaylovgrad (Eastern Rhodopes) broadcasted within the program Patuvai s BNT 2 (Traveling with BNT 2).
The attraction was launched in...
date: 30.12.2012
Tourist Information Center Planned in Stambolovo
A Tourist information center will be opened in the village of Stambolovo within the project Tour innovation on eco- , cultural and historical tourism financed by the Rural Development Program 2007-2013.
An electronic guide on the main tourist sites will be available in the new Tourist center in...
date: 28.12.2012
Unique Fossil Fish Exhibited in Museum of History in Kardzhali
A fossilized fish, whose age has been estimated at thirty-four million years is exhibited in the Regional Museum of History in the town of Kardzhali, Standart daily reports.
The precious fossil was classified only recently, as there aren't many fossil experts in Bulgaria. "Such finds of fossilized...
date: 23.12.2012
Tourism Strategy for Kardzhali: 30 % More Foreign Tourists by 2015
The visits of the foreign tourists to grow up to 30% by 2015 – this is one of the highlights of the Strategy for the development of the tourism in Kardzhali District. As prerequisites for attracting investments to the sector and thus to the economic growth of the region are listed the new...
date: 21.12.2012
Online Information on Eco Tourism in Kardzhali
Regional Forestry Directorate (RFD) - Kardzhali is planning to install three information kiosks, 32 inch monitors of the type touch screen that give to residents and tourists in the town information about the eco tourism opportunities in the region.
This will be done within a project for promoting...
date: 20.12.2012
NTG Newsletter
The team of New Thracian Gold team issued the latest NTG newsletter (in Bulgarian and English). Read here the English version.
If you would like to get news from the Eastern Rhodopes, information about the wildlife, eco tourism and organic farming in the region and to know more about the NTG...
date: 19.12.2012
Discover the Eastern Rhodope's magic with Fokko Erhart
Fokko Erhart, NTG Natural grazing coordinator, published a 32 page booklet about the Eastern Rhodopes.
The booklet is in Dutch language, with an English preface, summary and photo captions ONTDEK DE MAGIE VAN DE OOSTELIJKE RHODOPEN ("Discover the magic of the Eastern Rhodopes"). It presents with...
date: 13.12.2012
Call for Protection of Information Signs along the Rhodopean Long Distance Trail
The New Thracian Gold urgently appeals for the protection of the information signs along the Long Distance Trail for biking and hiking in the Rhodopes. In October, a hundred route signs were placed, but several are already removed or destroyed, as the NTG team found out.
It seems that...
date: 11.12.2012
The Eastern Rhodopes in the Book ''Before the Oblivion''
There are ten stories about the Rhodopes in the new book with travel stories and reportages “Before the oblivion” published by the journalist Rumen Stoichkov (Bulgarian National Radio). The book was launched at Sofia’s International Book Fair on December 7th,...
date: 10.12.2012
Organic Farming and its Benefits for the Biodiversity: the Experience of Austria and Croatia
The benefits of the organic farming for the maintenance and increase of the biodiversity were presented through the experience of Austria and Croatia during the annual meeting of the focus groups of the New Thracian Gold (NTG) in November in the village of Stambolovo.
Two foreign experts -...
date: 07.12.2012
161 Griffon Vultures Counted in the Eastern Rhodopes
On December 1st, in the valley of Arda River 161 Griffon Vultures have been counted during the 8th Griffon Vultures roosting sites census on the Balkans. In 2011 the number was 150.
The Census in Bulgaria was conducted by the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) in...
date: 06.12.2012
Student's Research on the Challenges to the Successful Participation in the Tourism in the Eastern Rhodopes
The New Thracian Gold (NTG) can provide strategic leadership in bridging different organizations in the Eastern Rhodopes. This is the main conclusion of the internship of Manuela Ilakova, a student at Wageningen University, The Netherlands. She spent three months so far (September – November...
date: 04.12.2012
Otters near Nature Conservation Center in Madzharovo
Two otters were observed in the Arda River near the Nature conservation center Eastern Rhodopes in the morning of December 1st, 2012. The animals were diving and fishing in the river, volunteers in the Center informed NTG webiste.
In the Eastern Rhodopes otters are active mainly at night and...
date: 03.12.2012
Dutch Еnvironmentalist Talks about the Eastern Rhodopes
The eastern part of the Rhodopes is the most beautiful tourist destination. This opinion of NTG expert Johan Bekhuis is the highlight of the reportage broadcasted by BNR, Bulgarian National radio (Radio Bulgaria) in several languages in November.
Just like other Dutch citizens who are used...
date: 29.11.2012
NTG Materials in Tourist Information Center - Kardzhali
Information materials on the Eastern Rhodopes – brochures, leaflets, fliers produced within New Thracian Gold project – are available for tourists and guests in the Tourist Information Center – Kardzhali.
The center is located at the foot of Park Prostor near by Druzhba Stadium....
date: 27.11.2012
Bulgaria Extends its Natura 200 Zones
Bulgaria extended the boundaries of 26 existing sites and added 3 new sites, enlarging its already extensive Natura 2000 network by another 450 km2 according to the latest update of the Natura 2000 lists announced on EU website on November 26th. .
These new areas enhance the coverage of...
date: 26.11.2012
Via Rodopica Route
The Via Rhodopica Route including Smolyan, Zlatograd and Devin will be the first new itinerary in the Wonders of Bulgaria packages of the Bulgarian tour operators. Bulgarian travel agencies are already thinking how to make the beautiful sites in this mythical mountainous land more...
date: 24.11.2012
New Thracian Gold Annual Meeting
On 23 November, the annual meeting of the focus groups of New Thracian Gold took place in the village of Stambolovo. The achievements in the outgoing year and plans in 2013 were in the focus of the discussions.
Frank Zanderink, team leader of NTG project opened the meeting. Deputy Mayor...
date: 23.11.2012
Rare Breeds from the Eastern Rhodopes at EUROTIER 2012
The very typical but rare Bulgarian breeds Rhodopi Shorthorn Cattle, Bulgarian Grey Cattle and Karakachan Sheep were presented at the prestigious animal exhibition EUROTIER that took place between 13 and 16 November 2012 in Hannover, Germany.
With 2,445 exhibitors from 51 countries...
date: 20.11.2012
In the Eastern Rhodopes with SmartBirds
If you are around Madzharovo, Studen Kladenets, Krumovitsa, Byala Reka, Ivaylovgrad dam lake and in other Natura 2000 sites in the Eastern Rhodopes, you have already a fantastic tool to distinguish the birds you see.The first environmental application for smartphones SmartBirds combines a birds...
date: 16.11.2012
National renewable energy Action Plan in Bulgaria ensures biodiversity conservation in the Eastern Rhodopes
A ban for the construction of wind turbines is already in place for the Eastern Rhodopes after Bulgaria has started implementing the regulations of the National Renewable Energy Action Plan 2011 – 2020. The ecological assessment statement on the National Plan places clear restrictions on the...
date: 08.11.2012
Black and Griffon Vultures near Pelevun in the Eastern Rhodopes
In October, Black and Griffon Vultures were photographed at the supplementary feeding site near the village of Pelevun, Eastern Rhodopes. The photo-trap has taken amazing photos in October, Green Balkan announces. Black Vulture no longer breeds in Bulgaria. The supplementary feeding provided by...
date: 04.11.2012
Electric Fence on the Feeding Station in Madzharovo
On 20th and 21st October, the field staff and volunteers of the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) fenced by an electric fence the feeding station for Vultures in Madzharovo. The length of electric fences is approximately 700 m. The goal is to prevent the entry of dogs in...
date: 02.11.2012
NTG stimulates the Reintroduction of the Fallow Deer in all Eastern Rhodopes
Foundation New Thracian Gold – Bulgaria started working in partnership with the national Hunting Association on the reintroduction of the Fallow deer in all the Eastern Rhodopes. Two releases of 120 animals are planned in the eastern and southern parts of the Eastern Rhodopes.
The...
date: 01.11.2012
The Development of the Long Distance Route in the Rhodopes is at its Final Stage
Owners of seven of the present and future guest houses from Kardzhali and the villages of Lubino, Vishnevo, Banite, Madrets and Pelevun – partners of NTG, located along the Long Distance Trail for biking and hiking, representative of Bulgarian Tourist Union in Kardzhali and guides...
date: 26.10.2012
Hrancoop – an Opportunity for the Organic Producers in the Eastern Rhodopes
The newly born initiative Hrancoop provides opportunities for the produce of the organic and in conversion farmers in the Eastern Rhodopes, members of a network of New Thracian Gold.
Hrankoop is a free civil initiative that establishes a direct connection between consumers and producers. It is...
date: 24.10.2012
Reportage of Bulgarian National Radio about Crossbill Guidebook on Eastern Rhodopes
In October, Bulgarian National Radio broadcast a reportage in several languages about Crossbill guidebook on the Eastern Rhodopes in Bulgaria and Greece.
A Dutch research team visited this summer the Greek and Bulgarian part of the Rhodopes to gather information for the new edition,...
date: 23.10.2012
NTG Herds in the Eastern Rhodopes
Although the dry and extremely hot summer and early autumn in Eastern Rhodope the animals from the New Thracian Gold herds are in very good condition, shows the autumn herd review concluded by Fokko Erhard and Hristo Hristov, experts in wilderness and natural grazing of the project.
The prolonged...
date: 19.10.2012
Betty from NTG Network Awarded at Food Exhibition in Kardzhali
Blagovesta Vassilieva from the New Thracian Gold network won the Award for the most young agricultural producer of the exhibition “The agriculture in the Rhodopes – a source for high quality and healthy foods” organized in Kardzhali on October 18th.
She gave the award to her son...
date: 18.10.2012
The Winners in the Second Edition of NTG Contest „Eastern Rhodopes – taste the wild nature“
Kichka Dyankova and Yassena Popova are the winners in the second edition of the Competition „Eastern Rhodopes – taste the wild nature“. They submitted the most interesting travel story and the best photo, according to the jury of New Thracian Gold.
The number of...
date: 17.10.2012
NTG producers will participate in the organic food exhibition in Kardzhali
Organic producers from the network of New Thracian Gold will participate in the exhibition "Agriculture in the Rhodopes - a source of high-quality and healthy foods," which is organized in Kardzhali (near the Monument to the Liberators) on Oct. 18 from 10 to 18 o'clock. The stand of NTG will...
date: 15.10.2012
NTG Project Presented at Adventure Travel World Summit in Lucerne
The New Thracian Gold (NTG) project was presented at the Adventure Travel World Summit 2012 that took place between 8 and 11 October in Lucerne, Switzerland.
The specialized summit held for a ninth consecutive year attracted more than 600 professionals in the field of the adventure tourism....
date: 12.10.2012
Appeal for Caution on the Roads in the Eastern Rhodopes for the Otters
The otter is listed in the Red Book of Bulgaria due to the strong decrease of their population. In the Eastern Rhodopes exists one of their densest populations. The otters inhabit lakes, rivers and ponds and eat mainly fish. It is very difficult to observe otters because these animals are mainly...
date: 11.10.2012
„The Unknown Eastern Rhodopes“ on BNT - 2
On October 7th BNT, Bulgarian National Television broadcasted a 30 minute documentary on the Eastern Rhodopes and its huge potential for eco-toursim. “The Unknown Eastern Rhodopes” was shown in the program slot called Traveling with BNT-2.
Hristo Hristov, coordinator on wilderness in...
date: 08.10.2012
Kardzhali Joined European Bird Days
On October 7th, many people watched birds in the unique Heron colony in the city center of Kardzhali. The town joined the European Bird Days (6-7 October 2012). It was a joint action of New Thracian Gold project (NTG), BSPB, children from the nature protection group of St. Cyril and Methodios High...
date: 07.10.2012
Seminar for organic farmers from the Eastern Rhodopes
The opportunities for organic farmers from the Eastern Rhodopes in increasing production, markeing the necessary investments and finding markets through the creation of cooperation of producers have been thoroughly explained by Head of "Organic Farming" at the Ministry of Agriculture and...
date: 06.10.2012
New Opportunities for Tourism in “Studen Kladenets” Reserve
New opportunities for ecotourism in the "Studen Kladenets" Reserve are available after the opening of the new observation lodge on October 6th..
The lodge is built of stone and wood in a traditional Bulgarian style and is fully financed by the National Association of Hunters and Anglers "Union of...
date: 06.10.2012
Old and new recipes at the second edition of the Cooking days
Pastry made of old bread and apples, cake in a jar that can last for years, chutneys - sweet-sour pickles from the last harvest, honey candied thin strips of vegetables and fruits, butter flavored with dried flowers such as cornflowers, marigolds, rose ...
These are just some of the...
date: 05.10.2012
Workshop on Natural Grazing in Madzharovo
On October 4th 2012, New Thracian Gold organized a workshop on natural grazing. The meeting was in the Madzharovo Vulture Center. Participants were those farmers who participate in NTG’s grazing program.
During the workshop the participants shared experiences and ideas about the improvement...
date: 04.10.2012
Cooking Days in the Eastern Rhodopes – 2
On 5 and 6 October 2012, New Thracian Gold project organises a second edition of the organic culinary events "Cooking Days with organic and local agricultural produce and food from the Eastern Rhodopes"-2 . In June, the first Culinary Days were very successful.
Now, the major demonstration event...
date: 01.10.2012
NTG Eco club participated in the cleaning of the Heron colony in Kardzhali
On 29 September 2012, NTG Youth Eco club took action to clean-up people's waste in the Heron colony in the riverbed of the Arda in the town of Kardzhali. Their leader and NTG coordinator on wildlife Hristo Hristov headed the activity.
In total, around 200 volunteers participated in the...
date: 29.09.2012
NTG participated in a round table on organic farming in the Eastern Rhodopes
The coordinator on organic farming in the "New Thracian Gold" (NTG) Vladislav Popov made a presentation on the achievements of the project in the Eastern Rhodopes at a round table "Organic farming in Bulgaria and experience in the Eastern Rhodopes", which took place within the European...
date: 28.09.2012
Deadline for NTG Contest Expires in a Week
On 1 October 2012, the deadline for NTG competition for the most interesting itinerary and best photo „Eastern Rhodopes – taste the wild nature“ expires. The two contests are organized by New Thracian Gold project for the second time.
We’d like to see in your texts and...
date: 24.09.2012
Ivaylovgrad region raises tourism potential
A record total of 400 visitors were welcomed in the Roman villa Armira during the four days holiday period around September 6th, Unity Day. These visitors were mainly Bulgarian family groups and Greek tourists, Ivaylovgrad Mayor, Diana Ovcharova told to NTG website.
In 2011 a...
date: 20.09.2012
Hundreds Joined Good Food March
On 19 September 2012, hundreds of people gathered in Brussels to call for radical changes to food and farming policy in Europe. Farmers, citizens, and young people from more than 20 European countries took part in the final day of the Good Food March and brought their demands for the future of the...
date: 19.09.2012
The Route of Cheese in the Eastern Rhodopes
On September 18th 2012, many guests, tourists, farmers and locals tasted the delicious home-made cheese, yoghurt and butter of the Huskov family during the opening of the tourist attraction “The Route of Cheese” in the family's sheep farm in the village of Plevun, Ivaylovgrad...
date: 18.09.2012
Less Quantity But Better Guality Grapes in the Eastern Rhodopes
Grapes and wine producers from the Eastern Rhodopes anticipate that this year the harvest to be nearly twice lower but the quality will be higher.
Especially high was the impact of the drought, said Dimo Karaboyukov from the village of Popovets who grows 5 ha vineyard. Karabayukov is from the...
date: 17.09.2012
Eastern Rhodopes Have a Great Potential for Ecotourism – Frank Zanderink
The Eastern Rhodopes have everything necessary for the development of ecotourism, the leader of the Dutch-Bulgarian project New Thracian Gold Frank Zanderink pointed out in a live interview at the morning talk show on BNT, Bulgarian National Television on September 17th 2012.
Bulgaria has a lot to...
date: 17.09.2012
Dutch Princess Laurentien receives double Invitation to the Eastern Rhodopes
Dutch Princess Laurentien van Oranje received two invitations to visit the Eastern Rhodopes. The Princess was attending the official opening of the European Mobility Week in Sofia, where she was informed about the New Thracian Gold initiatives.
First invitation came from the Eco club, the...
date: 16.09.2012
Biking tours in the Eastern Rhodopes will be presented at the opening of the Mobility Week
On 16 September, fantastic new opportunities for biking tours in the Eastern Rhodopes will be presented by New Thracian Gold (NTG) at the official opening of the European Mobility Week in the underpass of the Sofia University. The Long Distance Rhodopean biking trail is one of the...
date: 15.09.2012
Official Opening of “The Route of Cheese” in the Eastern Rhodopes
On September 18th 2012, the tourist attraction “The Route of Cheese” will be officially opened in the sheep farm of the Huskov family in the village of Pelevun, Ivaylovgrad Municipality.
Tourists and visitors can witness the milking process and the production process of...
date: 14.09.2012
One year Tarpans in the Eastern Rhodopes
Exactly one year ago, 12 Tarpans arrived in Bulgaria and were released in the Eastern Rhodopes - near the abandoned village of Sbor, Municipality of Krumovgrad. The Tarpan is a rebreed of wild horses that have lived hundreds of years ago in Europe.
The arrival and the reintroduction of the...
date: 06.09.2012
Research on Tourism in the Eastern Rhodopes
A research on the community participation in the development of tourism in the rural areas of the Eastern Rhodopes is starting in September. It is part of the four month internship of Manuela Ilakova, student at Wageningen University, The Netherlands.
Eco tourism is a new economic motor of the...
date: 03.09.2012
NTG Awarded at Culinary Festival in Ivaylovgrad
New Thracian Gold (NTG) got two awards at the first ever Festival of traditional food, livelihood and crafts “Culinary Heritage of Thrace” organized on 1 and 2 September in Ivaylovgrad.
Perko Angelov member of the NTG network got the award for “The most delicious...
date: 02.09.2012
NTG at the festival “The Culinary heritage of Thrace”
"New Thracian Gold" (NTG) will present organic products and the issued by the project Culinary Guide to the Eastern Rhodopes on the first-ever festival of traditional food, livelihood and Crafts “Culinary Heritage of Thrace.” The festival is organized on 1 and 2 September in...
date: 31.08.2012
New Thracian Gold – Bulgaria Foundation Established
Recently, the New Thracian Gold – Bulgaria Foundation was established. The foundation has the same name, objectives and logo as the NTG project which is active since 2010 in the region of the Eastern Rhodopes. The new foundation is the legal entity for the project initiatives. The aims of the...
date: 28.08.2012
NTG at Beglika Fest 2012
Many tourists, nature lovers and representatives of environmental organizations passed by the stand at Beglika Fest 2012 (17-19 August) where New Thracian Gold (NTG) was presented. They took materials of the project and had the opportunity to talk with the NTG eco tourism coordinator Mihaela...
date: 19.08.2012
Results of the volunteer work in Madzharovo
In total, 19 volunteers participated in the traditional nature conservation camp organized by the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds in the Conservation Center "Eastern Rhodopes" in Madzharovo from 11 to 17 August. The work was hard, but in six days the participants did a lot, Sanye...
date: 18.08.2012
Nature Conservation Camp Madzharovo 2012
Fourteen young people - members of the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB), volunteers from the Youth ecoclub in Kardzhali, a German girl and a Frenchman - are participating in the Nature conservation camp "Madzharovo 2012," which began on 11 August, Saturday, at the Vulture...
date: 13.08.2012
Second Einkorn Harvest in the Eastern Rhodopes
The model of Petko Angelov, member of the New Thracian Gold (NTG) network seems to become more and more attractive for producers in the Eastern Rhodopes.
Einkorn considered the oldest cereal in Bulgaria was harvested again in the village of Limets (Bulgarian for einkorn wheat), Krumovgrad...
date: 11.08.2012
Fair in Pelevun for first time in 18 years
Residents of Pelevun, Ivailovgrad Municipality organized on August 11, Saturday, the village fair after eighteen years breae. With the support of the Municipality of Ivaylovgrad the people from Pelevun restored their traditional to 1994 fair.
The celebration brought together dozens of people,...
date: 11.08.2012
Einkorn Harvest in the Eastern Rhodopean village with a name of einkorn
Einkorn considered the oldest cereal in Bulgaria is going the be harvested again in the village of Limets (Bulgarian for einkorn wheat), Krumovgrad Municipality on 11 August 2012 after many years of break.
In March, Dimitar Mirchev, Head of the municipality office for agriculture in Krumovgrad who...
date: 10.08.2012
Nine B&B's and Hotels in the Eastern Rhodopes with Own Tourist Portfolio
Nine B&B's and family hotels in the Eastern Rhodopes will have a tailor-made tourist portfolio. These are Luxor and Armira hotels in Ivaylovgrad, the house of Todor Mitkov in the village of Pelevun, the Wild Farm in the village of Gorno pole, the Thracian House in the village of Borislavtsi,...
date: 07.08.2012
Observation of the Rare Greater Spotted Eagle in the Eastern Rhodopes
On 20 July a Greater Spotted Eagle (Aquila clanga) was spotted in the Eastern Rhodopes, between the villages of Lyaskovets and Zimovina, Municipality of Stambolovo.
The bird was observed and identified by Hristo Hristov, ecologist and coordinator on wildlife in the New Thracian Gold and...
date: 31.07.2012
Many People Attended the Einkorn Harvest at the Bread Festival in Rabovo
Enthusiasts of all generations participated in the reconstruction of the einkorn wheat harvest on July 28. It was the highlight in the third edition of the Bread Festival in the Eastern Rhodopes, which took place in the village of Rabovo, Municipality Stambolovo, 27, 28 and 29 July.
The...
date: 28.07.2012
Dutch Student Researches the Interaction between Ungulates and Wolves
Dutch student Tim Asbreuk researches the interaction between ungulates (mainly cattle and horses) and wolves. He arrived in the Eastern Rhodopes on 16 July and the plan is to stay till 13 October 2012.
“For my study it is important to know where the wolves are, what they eat (livestock and...
date: 17.07.2012
Further Increase of Griffon Vultures in the Eastern Rhodopes
In 2012, Bulgaria’s vulture monitoring scheme organised by the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds reached its 25th anniversary and once again a record number of breeding Griffon Vultures could be registered.
25 years ago, in the late 80’s, the East-Rhodopian population...
date: 16.07.2012
NTG Will Participate in Uzana Polyana Fest 2013
New Thracian Gold (NTG) will participate at Uzana Polyana Fest 2013. The NTG stand will present the festival guests organic and local produce from the Eastern Rhodopes, various tourism brochures, like the guidebook and the tourist map and NTG project brochures which inform about its three...
date: 15.07.2012
Photo Exhibition “The Mysterious Flowers of the Eastern Rhodopes”
“The Mysterious Flowers of the Eastern Rhodopes” is the title of the exhibition that the Bulgarian-Dutch New Thracian Gold (NTG) project organized at the Festival “The Mysteries of Huhla”on 14 July in the village of Huhla, Ivaylovgrad Municipality.
Fifteen photos from...
date: 14.07.2012
The Eastern Rhodopes Presented in Tourism Packages
Four municipalities in the region of Kardzhali take part in the developing of joint tourism packages. Momchilgrad takes the lead in the project “The Eastern world of the Rhodope Mountain”, the partners are the municipalities of Kardzhali, Kirkovo and Krumovgrad, Standart daily...
date: 08.07.2012
Entrepreneurs from the Eastern Rhodopes made a Share of Experience Trip in Region of Stara Planina
Fourteen entrepreneurs from the New Thracian Gold (NTG) network in the Eastern Rhodopes visited from 2 to 5 July the region of Stara Planina for sharing of experience with their colleagues from B&B's and farms.
The route of the traveling seminar passed through Troyan, Gabrovo,...
date: 06.07.2012
Training Seminar for Producers of Organic Cereals in the Eastern Rhodopes
Thirteen organic and in-conversion New Thracian Gold (NTG) target producers from the region of the Eastern Rhodopes (ER) participated in a training seminar on agro-techniques for production of organic cereals and plant protection on 4 July in the demo-organic farm in the village of Topolovo,...
date: 05.07.2012
Dutch Trouw Daily on the Eastern Rhodopes and New Thracian Gold
An enormous diversity of plants and animals – 70 per cent of all European raptors live here, there is no place in the continent with so many different reptiles, those who like wild flowers are fascinated here.
This is the description of the Eastern Rhodopes in a nutshell made by the...
date: 04.07.2012
Contest for a Spelt Product
A contest for the most interesting, unique and delicious food product made from spelt is for first time ever organized in Bulgaria by the complex "Tepavitsata" (The Mill) in the village of Rabovo, Stambolovo Municipality jointly with with Association "Badeshte v minaloto” (Future in the past)...
date: 02.07.2012
The EU Logo for Organic Produce Mandatory
From July 1, 2012, the logo of the European Union certifying organic produce will become mandatory for all pre-packaged bio/organic food products produced in the EU and which meet the required standards.
The EU logo for organic products known as the European leaf was introduced on July 1st 2010,...
date: 01.07.2012
New Observation&Photo Hide in Studen Kladenets
The Dutch journalists who visited the Еastern Rhodopes last week were the first visitors of the new observation&photo hide for vultures in the hunting reserve “Studen kladenets”. A minor construction work has to be done and the hide will be...
date: 28.06.2012
Rhodope lilies in Gyumyurdzhinski Snezhnik
Recently, New Thracian Gold experts counted more than 40 blooming Rhodope lilies (Lilium rhodopaeum) on the territory of the protected site "Gyumyurdzhinski Snezhnik”.
The Rhodope lily is a local endemic species that inhabits the temperate wet meadows and...
date: 25.06.2012
Dutch Journalist in the Eastern Rhodopes
Five Dutch journalists visited the Eastern Rhodopes from 18 to 22 June on the invitation of New Thracian Gold (NTG).
They visited the ancient complex Perperikon, one of Bulgaria largest historical sites, the model organic farm in the village of Topolovo, the Wild farm in the village of Gorno Pole,...
date: 23.06.2012
Common Starling Pair in the Village of Sbor
A pair of Common Starlings has settled in one of the bird houses in the village of Sbor, Krumovgrad Municipality. The houses were made and placed by children during the Tarpan Days organized by New Thracian Gold in the end of April.
The Starling family is raising its little in their new...
date: 22.06.2012
Mitko who does not live in Facebook
bTB website publishes an article about Mitko from the „Wild Farm” in the village of Gormo Pole, Municipality of Madzharovo. The title is “Mitko who does not live in Facebook”.
Mitko is the son of the Vassilievi family that is developing rural tourism in the Eastern...
date: 16.06.2012
Marking of Ecotrails in the Eastern Rhodopes
On NTG request a team of Books and Adventure House Foundation is working now on marking ecotrails in the Eastern Rhodopes.
Segments of the Trans Rhodopean biking and hiking route are marked in the section from Letvnik to Studen Kladenets – Ivaylovgrad – Madzharovo and Kardzhali. The...
date: 14.06.2012
New website about the Egyptian Vulture
Detailed information on the Egyptian vultures can be found on the recently launched website of the project The Return of the Neophron: http://lifeneophron.eu/en/index.html. . The project is a Bulgarian-Greek initiative financed by LIFE + program of the European Union and the "A.G.Leventis". In...
date: 13.06.2012
A Culinary Guidebook to the Eastern Rhodopes
Do you happen to know what gyuzlemi are? Have you ever tasted a rabbit banitsa or a pumpkin stuffed with rabbit meat? Have you ever eaten chicken with katmi or krukmach? Have you heart about a Rhodope kizelnik? Or about a maslenitsa?
Information and the recipes about these dishes you can find in...
date: 12.06.2012
Festival of the Organic and Local Dishes from the Eastern Rhodopes
The Cooking Days with organic and local products from the Eastern Rhodopes, organized by the Bulgarian-Dutch project New Thracian Gold (NTG) with the support and participation of the Netherlands Embassy in Bulgaria and “Soul Kitchen” restaurant - Sofia on 7, 8 and 9 June...
date: 10.06.2012
About the benefits of the organic food
The benefits of organic food – aimed toward both, consumers and producers, was the main focus of the interview on TV Bulgaria on air by Martien Lankester, director of the Dutch Foundation Avalon and associate professor Vladislav Popov, coordinator for organic farming in the “New...
date: 09.06.2012
Cooking Day in the Netherlands Embassy
Today, Dutch chef Erik van Veluven and his colleagues from restaurant “Soul Kitchen” in Sofia, t will show in the Dutch embassy in Sofia their culinary skills in preparing delicious and healthy dishes with organic and local products from the Eastern Rhodopes.
Minister of Agriculture...
date: 08.06.2012
Organic Production in Bulgaria Up by 30% in 2011
The share of organic vs conventional production in Bulgaria registered a 30% annual increase in 2011, according to Tsvetan Dimitrov, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food. Speaking at a seminar on the benefits of organic products, he said that the control system indicated a total area of 26 622...
date: 06.06.2012
A Culinary Guidebook to the Eastern Rhodopes
Do you happen to know what gyuzlemi are? Have you ever tasted a rabbit banitsa or a pumpkin stuffed with rabbit meat? Have you ever eaten chicken with katmi or krukmach? Have you heart about a Rhodope kizelnik? Or about a maslenitsa?
Information and the recipes about these dishes you can...
date: 05.06.2012
2011: 2000 Tourists and Nature Lovers in the Vulture Center
In 2011, around 2000 Bulgarian and foreign tourists and nature visitors have visited the Nature Conservation Center Eastern Rhodopes in Madzharovo known as the Vulture Center. This information is in the annual report of the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) published on 31...
date: 04.06.2012
Time of the Rhodope haberlea
Spring is the season for Rhodope haberlea. Recently, the team working on the Crossbill nature guidebook to the Eastern Rhodopes found the flower on a rock near the dam lake of Kardzhali.
Before the Ice age this special plant grew in a large area of Europe and...
date: 02.06.2012
New Opportunities for European Organic Farmers and Food Producers
Organic products certified in Europe or in the United States may be sold as organic in either region starting on June 1, 2012, the EC informed.
Formal letters creating this partnership were signed on 15 February 2012 in Nuremberg, Germany, by Dacian Cioloş, European Commissioner for Agriculture...
date: 01.06.2012
NTG Got Zelena Yabalka Award for Ecotourism
The New Thracian Gold project (NTG) won the award in the section Ecotourism and eco hotels of the first yearly awards Zelena Yabalka (Green apple) for ecology and lifestyle. The ceremony took place on 31 May in Sofia.
The Wild farm, partner in the NTG network got Zelena Yabalka in the...
date: 31.05.2012
Cooking Days of Healthy and Organic Dishes from the Eastern Rhodopes
The New Thracian Gold (NTG) project with the support and participation of the Royal Netherlands Embassy in Bulgaria and "Soul Kitchen"-Sofia organize 'Cooking Days' with organic and local agricultural produce from the Eastern Rhodopes on 7, 8 and 9 June in Sofia and in the village of Gorno...
date: 30.05.2012
The Eastern Rhodopes are shortlisted for Rewilding Europe
Very recently the Eastern Rhodopes (in Bulgaria and Greece) were selected on the shortlist of potential candidates for Rewilding Europe. In October 2013 the definitive selection will be revealed. We sincerely hope by that time the Eastern Rhodopes shall be selected as a model area for...
date: 29.05.2012
NTG Nominated in Zelena Yabalka Contest
The New Thracian Gold project (NTG) is nominated in two sections – Ecotourism and eco hotels and Large scale ecoproject - of the yearly awards Zelena Yabalka (Green apple) for ecology and lifestyle. The Wild farm, partner in the NTG network is also nominated.
The main goal of Zelena...
date: 28.05.2012
Rare Orchid Blossoms in the Eastern Rhodopes
The Provence orchid (Orchis provincialis) is one of the rarest Bulgarian and European orchids.Today in Bulgaria there is only one known locality of this orchid which is situated on the northern slopes of the Gyumyurdjinsky snezhnik ridge in the Eastern Rhodopes. Provence orchid is included in...
date: 27.05.2012
The chairwoman of parliament and the English ambassador at the stand of NTG at the May Festival
The chairwoman of the Bulgarian parliament Tsetska Tsacheva and the British Ambassador Jonathan Allen visited the stand of “New Thracian Gold" (NTG) at the May Festival “Future with traditions - Kardzhali 2012” on 26 May. The festival was organized for the second time by...
date: 25.05.2012
Thousands of Wild Tulips
Thousands of wild tulips cover the slopes of the Gyumyurdzhinski Snezhnik protected site in the Eastern Rhodopes for a week in the spring. The biodiversity expert in the NTG project Stefan Avramov witnessed their blossom and took photos.
The wild tulip (Tulipa australis) is a protected species....
date: 24.05.2012
“New Thracian Gold” partner of the Regional Administration in Kardzhali
By invitation of the Governor of Kardzhali, Ivanka Taushanova, representatives of the “New Thracian Gold” (NTG) participated in the meeting of the Regional Advisory Board of Agriculture on the topic “How to develop a successful business in organic farming.” The meeting on...
date: 23.05.2012
Suslik Near Kardzhali Lake
A Suslik population was found in May near Kardzhali lake by the experts of the Crossbill Guides team who are working on a guidebook of the Eastern Rhodopes for eco tourists and nature lovers.
Kardzhali and the areas around was the last stop of the two week trip of the Crossbill team in the...
date: 22.05.2012
Bird-watching can help boost ecotourism industry: UN
Bird-watching, a popular hobby around the world, can present significant economic opportunities for countries through sustainable tourism, the United Nations Еnvironment Program said, stressing that States should increase efforts to support this growing industry.
"Birding plays a significant and...
date: 21.05.2012
NTG in the Night of Museums in Dobrich
New Thracian Gold project was presented at the Night of Museums on May 19 in the Art Gallery - Dobrich through illustrations WowPaper calendar. The May Calendar is about the tarpans, the wild horses in the Eastern Rhodopes. Visitors received project materials and posters with photos of the...
date: 20.05.2012
Orchid in...the Stadium
The Loose-flowered Orchid (Orchis laxiflora) is one of the beautiful orchids you can see in the Eastern Rhodopes. Alex and Albert, two of the Crossbill experts who work on a guidebook for the Eastern Rhodopes, saw it recently in the middle of...the football stadium of Madzharovo. The photo of the...
date: 18.05.2012
The Karakachan Horse Herd Near Ivaylovgrad is Growing
With six horses - three males and three females, the herd of the Karakachan horses increased this spring. The herd is created within New Thracian Gold project (NTG). The horses are raised in an nature friendly way in the Natura 2000 area Byala Reka near the village Kostilkovo, Municipality of...
date: 16.05.2012
New Species of Heron in the Heron's Colony in Kardzhali
A new species of heron is nesting in the unique colony of herons on Arda River in Kardzhali. Bulgarian experts from New Thracian Gold project (NTG) and a team from the Dutch Crossbill Guides Foundation observed the Squacco Herons, which were previously only registered as a migratory...
date: 14.05.2012
Crossbill Guides Team is Working on Guidebook of the Eastern Rhodopes
The European Crossbill Guides Foundation works on a guidebook of the Eastern Rhodopes. Crossbill guides (in English only) and are very popular among ecotourists and naturalists. Currently, a seven member team of the Crossbill Guides is in the Bulgarian part of the Rhodopes after they have visited...
date: 08.05.2012
“AgroCompass”: NTG is a model for integration of wilderness, organic farming and ecotourism
In the May issue of the Bulgarian news magazine "Agrocompass" an extensive article about the project "New Thracian Gold" (NTG) was published. The magazine describes the NTG-project as "a model for integration of wildlife, organic farming and ecotourism."
The publication explains in detail...
date: 07.05.2012
National Geographic – Bulgaria about the tarpans in Sbor
In its May issue, National Geographic - Bulgaria news magazine writes about the newly born tarpans in the region of Sbor, Krumovgrad Municipality. The increase of the herd of the tarpans brought to the Eastern Rhodopes from the Netherlands in September 2011 within New Thracian Gold project (NTG)...
date: 06.05.2012
Tarpans in the May edition of WowPaper Calendar
WowPaper calendar in May is about the tarpans in the Eastern Rhodopes and the New Thracian Gold project. WowPaper is a calendar for computer desktop created by the team of Pixel Studio Depot. The calendar has unique hand-painted illustrations with environmental messages. Wallpaper calendars can...
date: 04.05.2012
Lecture on Natural Grazing in the Eastern Rhodopes
"Natural grazing and large herbivores in the Eastern Rhodopes" was the theme of the lecture, which Hristo Hristov, the wildlife coordinator in the project New Thracian Gold (NTG) delivered during conservation and education camp "Kartali". The camp was organized by the Bulgarian Society for...
date: 04.05.2012
Record number pairs of Griffon Vultures in the Eastern Rhodopes
Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) reports a record number of breeding vultures in the Eastern Rhodopes.
In the first 10 days of April BSPB-teams carried out a survey in the Eastern Rhodope region. All cliffs along the Arda River were visited and a total of60 occupied nests...
date: 02.05.2012
The Eastern Rhodopes in the Exhibition “Rediscovering Bulgaria“
The Cromlech, known as "The Bulgarian Stonehenge", and the Roman road near the village of Dolni Glavanak are the two Eastern Rhodopian landmarks in the exhibition of the "Rediscovering Bulgaria" expedition (1 – 15 May, 2012). The exhibition is arranged on the Bridge in Sofia that...
date: 01.05.2012
Tarpan Days Attracted Many Locals and Tourists
Karel and Ana - these are the names of the first two little tarpans born in Bulgaria. Godmothers of the two newly born horses became Deputy Ambassador of the Netherlands Riny Bus and Krumovgrad Mayor Sebihan Mehmed. Traditionnally, a newborn foal is named with a name beginning with the...
date: 30.04.2012
New Guest House in the Eastern Rhodopes Officially Opened
At an official ceremony on 26 April the new guest house of the "Wild Farm" was opened in the village of Gorno Pole, Municipality Madzharovo. Frank Zanderink, team leader of the Bulgarian-Dutch project New Thracian Gold (NTG) that supports the guesthouse and Milko Armutliev,...
date: 26.04.2012
Outdoor performance of the play “Greenwild” at the Tarpan days
For the first time excerpts from the show "Greenwild" of the Theatre of Sofia University Alma Alter will be played on stage in the open - on April 29 in the third and final day of the Tarpan Days in the Eastern Rhodopes, near the abandoned village of Sbor, in the municipality of Krumovgrad. The...
date: 25.04.2012
NTG at the International Exhibition “Cultural Tourism”
First time ever New Thracian Gold (NTG) participated in the International Tourism Exhibition "Cultural Tourism", which took place from 19 to 21 April in Veliko Tarnovo. A record high number of participants were presented – 50 Bulgarian municipalities and 21 countries from four...
date: 22.04.2012
New Guest House in the Eastern Rhodopes
A new guest house in the Eastern Rhodopes will be officially opened on 26 April. The house is part of the "Wild Farm" of the family of Blagovesta and Nikolai Vasilievi in the village of Gorno pole, Municipality Madzharovo. The opening of the house is possible with financial support from the...
date: 21.04.2012
Nеw Thracian Gold at Green Days 2012
Organic and local produce from the Eastern Rhodopes will be presented at the stand of the Bulgarian-Dutch project New Thracian Gold (NTG) during Green days of 2012 - Spring festival of responsible tourism, nature and healthy living, from 20 to 22 April in Sofia.The visitors at the NTG stand can buy...
date: 20.04.2012
NTG is presented for the first time the International Tourism Fair "Cultural Tourism"
"New Thracian Gold" (NTG) will be represented at the Ninth International Tourism Exhibition "Cultural Tourism", which will take place from 19 to 21 April in Veliko Tarnovo. This is the first participation of the project in the exhibition.
The exhibition is among the largest and most famous...
date: 19.04.2012
Bulgaria in Top 10 of National Geographic Traveler
National Geographic Traveler nominated the tour “Splendors of Bulgaria: Art, Wine, and Traditions” as one of the 50 destinations for 2012.National Geographic Traveler has the largest audience of any travel magazine, with more than 7.5 million readers and is the world's most widely read...
date: 18.04.2012
Photo Story of Orchids from the Eastern Rhodopes in Top 10
The photo story of the two NTG experts on wildlife and biodiversity Stefan Avramov and Hristo Hristov “The Orchids in the Eastern Rhodopes” published in Dnevnik daily in June 2011 is in the Top 10 of the most recommended stories in section Na pat (On the road).
On the road started in...
date: 17.04.2012
First Tarpan Foals Born in the Eastern Rhodopes
The tarpan reintroduction in the Eastern Rhodopes is right on schedule. In September 2011, 12 tarpans from Holland found a new home in the fields near the abandoned village of Sbor, Municipality of Krumovgrad. Recently two foals were born, a male and a female, which symbolizes the success of the...
date: 09.04.2012
Tarpan Days Program
On April 27, 29 and 29, Bulgarian- Dutch New Thracian Gold project organises the first ever Tarpan days jointly with the Municipality Krumovgrad and the Bulgarian Society for Protection of Birds (BSPB) in the area of the village of Sbor.See below the detailed program:
27 April 2012 -...
date: 06.04.2012
The Eastern Rhodopes Join Earth Hour
Kardzhali and Haskovo, centers of two provinces of the Eastern Rhodopes, joined the fifth edition of Earth Hour on March 31, 2012 (Saturday) from 20:30 to 21:30. Zlatograd also participated in the initiative.Earth Hour organized by World Wildlife Fund (WWF) was held for the third year in our...
date: 31.03.2012
The first Egyptian Vulture for This Year Spotted Near Madzharovo
The first Egyptian Vulture for this year was spotted in the area of Madjarovo according to the website of the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) writes. A few days later more birds arrived as additional observations in Greece and Northern Bulgaria show.
The birds...
date: 29.03.2012
Representative of the NTG project participated in a roundtable discussion on poaching
Stefan Avramov, expert on biodiversity in the project "New Thracian Gold" gave a presentation at the national round table against poaching. This event was organized by the Executive Agency of Forestry within the context of the international exhibition "Nature, Hunting and Fishing 2012" (28...
date: 28.03.2012
Deadline for Applying for Support from the Wine Program Extended
The deadline for submission of applications under uniform measures for assistance of the National Program for Support of the Wine and Vine Sector 2008/2009 - 2013/2014 is extended to June 15, 2012. The goal is more farmers to be encouraged to participate in the program, Ministry of Agriculture and...
date: 23.03.2012
Study on the Golden Eagle in the Rhodopes
Bulgarian Society for the Protection of the Birds (BSPB) and Hellenic Ornithological Society (HOS / BirdLife Greece) start a two-year joint project "Ecology of the Golden Eagle in the Rhodope Mountains" which includes areas in the Eastern and Western Rhodopes in Bulgaria and ...
date: 22.03.2012
Red Wine of NTG Producer Won a Prize at Expos FoodTech and Vinaria in Plovdiv
Cabernet Franc from the Tokmakli brand of our New Thracian Gold-partner, the organic farmer Mr. Yonko Todorov from Stambolovo region, won the second-prize of the contest for best red-wine Consumer's choice at FoodTech Expo and Vinaria Expo in Plovdiv (15-18 March). Visitors and guests tasted food...
date: 19.03.2012
Photo traps Will Help the Research on Egyptian Vultures in the Eastern Rhodopes
The Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds announces that it has installed cameras at two nests of Egyptian vultures in the Eastern Rhodopes. Experts hope to learn more about the daily life of the vultures, their feeding behaviorand unknown aspects of their lives. A...
date: 16.03.2012
New Thracian Gold at Agra 2012
The demand for organic food and products in the world is constantly increasing and this provides an unlimited market for Bulgarian products in Germany, Austria, Italy and other EU countries, Ass. Prof. Vladislav Popov, Director of the Agroecological Centre at the Agricultural...
date: 10.03.2012
New Thracian Gold at ITB Berlin
10,644 exhibitors from 187 countries were representing all aspects of the tourism industry at the 46th edition of the International Tourism fair ITB Berlin during 8-10 March 2012. MEET was the organizer of the Bulgarian national stand with 42 tourism companies, organizations and local...
date: 08.03.2012
The Rhodopes are Among the 10 Best Tours in Europe
The Rhodopes are in the Top 10 of Europe's best tours of the American edition of National Geographic Traveler news magazine.
The Rhodope Mountains are the ideal place for hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, and spelunking.The opportunity of an instant camp site in the meadows full of flowers...
date: 07.03.2012
Organic Producers in the Eastern Rhodopes are Open to Visitors and Tourists
Many producers of organic and in a process of certification agricultural products in the Eastern Rhodopes are opening their farms for visits of tourists and guests. The visitors will have the opportunity to see the fields and the gardens of the farmers and taste fresh fruits and vegetables,...
date: 05.03.2012
Crossbill Guides Announces Eastern Rhodopes Nature Guidebook
Crossbil Guides announces in its March newsletter the publication in 2013 of the Eastern Rhodopes nature guidebook. This is very good news for New Thracian Gold and for the nature tourists who want to discover this fantastic nature destination.
Crossbill Guides produces high standard guidebooks to...
date: 04.03.2012
Tarpan Days
Come and see the tarpans on 27, 28 and 29 April 2012 near the village of Sbor, Krumovgrad Municipality during the Tarpan days organized by NTG! Tarpans (wild horses) live there since September 2011. They have been reintroduced in the Eastern Rhodopes within the Dutch-Bulgarian project...
date: 03.03.2012
Competition for the most interesting itinerary and best photo „Eastern Rhodopes – taste the wild nature“
In 2012, New Thracian Gold (NTG) project organizes two contests: for the most interesting itinerary and for the best photo from the Eastern Rhodopes. This is the second edition of the contest. The subject of the competition both for travel notes and photos is „Eastern Rhodopes – taste...
date: 01.03.2012
News on the Tarpans in Sbor
Tarpans, the wild horses reintroduced six months ago in the area near the village of Sbor, Krumovgrad Municipality are doing very well. You can see this from the photos sent to the NTG team by Anka Mladenova and her husband Mladen who take care of the horses.
After their arrival in the Eastern...
date: 27.02.2012
Bulgarian Cuisine under UNESCO protection
Products from the Bulgarian cuisine could be included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage, Bulgarian Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Foods Svetlana Boyanova said at the opening
of „Salon International de L’agriculture” 2012 in Paris (25 February – 4 March...
date: 25.02.2012
Support to Strengthen the Organic Retail Sector in South-East Europe
The market for organic products in Europe is generally expanding and its annual growth is between 10 - 15%. Therefore, the issue of educating managers and shop assistants is gaining more and more importance. Within the framework of The project E(co)-Qualify this need is answered, the...
date: 24.02.2012
Information on the Eastern Rhodopes in the new Red Data Book of Bulgaria
You can search online for information on rare plants and animals in the Eastern Rhodopes listed in the Red Data Book of Bulgaria. For the first time full information about all red-list species and habitats is available in the internet. On http://e-ecodb.bas.bg/rdb/en/ the...
date: 23.02.2012
Bulgaria Ranks Fourth in the World Ranking of the Most Affordable Tourist Destination
Bulgaria ranks fourth in the world as a country with the highest quality of tourist product at an affordable price. This reveals the latest Holiday Barometer, which is conducted annually by the British Post Office. The review includes 40 countries worldwide. Leading in the list are Sri Lanka,...
date: 23.02.2012
Presentation of NTG Guidebook to the Eastern Rhodopes
Deputy Minister of Economy, Energy and Tourism Ivo Marinov and Deputy Ambassador of the Netherlands Riny Bus were the first to receive a copy of the first ever guidebook to the Eastern Rhodopes, published by the New Thracian Gold. This happened at a special press conference on the first day...
date: 16.02.2012
The First Ever Tourist Guidebook to the Eastern Rhodopes
The first ever tourist guidebook for the Eastern Rhodopes will be presented on 16 February, the opening day of the 29th international tourist fair HOLIDAY & SPA EXPO in Sofia.
The press conference on the guidebook is on 16 February 2012, Thursday, 12 am in Rodopi Hall in IEC, Inter EXPO Center...
date: 13.02.2012
EC Adopts its Strategy for a Sustainable Bioeconomy
The European Commission has today presented its strategy and action plan for a sustainable bioeconomy in Europe, called "Innovating for Sustainable Growth: a Bioeconomy for Europe". The goal is a more innovative and low-emissions economy, reconciling demands for sustainable agriculture and...
date: 13.02.2012
Eastern Rhodopes in the Exhibition "Capture! Don`t kill!"
Eastern Rhodopes are among the most attractive Bulgarian destinations for photoshooting wild animals.That's why this region is in the focus of the photo expo "Capture! Don`t kill!" Here visitors can see impressive photos of the majestic Griffon and Egyptian vultures,...
date: 07.02.2012
In 2011: Dedicated Eco-tourists in Bulgaria
In 2011, the overnight stays in guest houses in Bulgaria declined between 20-30 %, but the eco-tourists were more enthusiastic, dedicated and willing to pay the price of the holiday without discussing or seeking discounts. This is the opinion of Margarita Kaisheva, Chairperson of the Board...
date: 06.02.2012
Еurope becomes more wild
The leading article in the January issue of GEO magazine (in Bulgarian) is dedicated to the restoration of European nature, known as Rewilding Europe. The title of the article, illustrated with unique photos, is "Europe goes wild." The article comes as a leading material in editions of GEO...
date: 30.01.2012
Bulgaria – Great Potential for Ecotourism?
Bulgaria's Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism has reaffirmed its commitment to ecotourism and sees the potential of this tourism product, wildlifeextra.com writes. It has also thrown its weight behind the European Union's Natura 2000 programme which aims to ensure the long-term survival of...
date: 28.01.2012
Over 3.4 million leva will be invested into modernization of farms and organic agriculture
Fifteen farms applying for funding through Measure 121 “Modernization of agricultural holdings” of the Program for Rural Development, will receive a total of 3,453,010 leva, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry announced.
Four of the approved farms within the "Agriculture"...
date: 26.01.2012
International center for wildlife disease control in Bulgaria will be built
International Centre for wildlife disease control will be built in Bulgaria. Today an agreement was signed for the establishment of this center at a ceremony in the town of Pravets. Signatures under the document put the Minister of Agriculture and Food Miroslav Naydenov and President of the...
date: 23.01.2012
The New Thracian Gold on BBT
The achievements of the project NTG and its future initiatives were presented on BBT’s morning show from the project experts Stefan Avramov and Iva Toncheva.
The reason for the interview was the initiative of the project to reintroduce the red deer on the territory of the Eastern...
date: 23.01.2012
Reintroduction of Red Deer in the Eastern Rhodopes
In January 2012 the Bulgarian-Dutch project New Thracian Gold initiates a next step in the process of rewilding the Eastern Rhodopes nature. After the Tarpan (September 2011) the Red Deer is the second large herbivore to be reintroduced.
The New Thracian Gold team and the National Hunting and...
date: 20.01.2012
Traditional Midwinter Waterbird Census in the Eastern Rhodopes
1000 waterbirds of 10 species were registered around the dam lake of Ivaylovgrad and along the Arda River in the Eastern Rhodopes during the traditional midwinter water bird census, which took place between 13 and 15 January 2012. Most numerous species were the Mallard, Great Cormorant, Common...
date: 19.01.2012
Bulgarian Organic Products at Food Exposition in Berlin
Bulgarian nuts, wine, sausage (lukanka), dried fruit and herbs will lure devotees of healthy food. Bulgaria has chosen bio-products to present its farm produce and food processing industry at the Green Week Exhibition, opening in Berlin January 20-29.
Bulgaria’s stand at this important...
date: 19.01.2012
Bulgaria – Attractive Destination for Adventure Tourism
Bulgaria is among the most attractive tourist destinations in the world for adventure tourism. Bulgaria is sixth among the now opening to the world market destinations in the ranking of US Adventure Travel Trade Association. According to the organization, Bulgaria has potential for year-round...
date: 14.01.2012
Lecture on the Tarpans
Dutch student Jael van der Sluis presented in a lecture for the students of Otets Paisii high school the results of her research on the tarpans (wild horses) which were reintroduced in the area of the abandoned village of Sbor, Krumovgrad Municipality in September 2011. The tarpans have lived in...
date: 12.01.2012
Virtual Guide Presents the Cultural Sites in the Rhodopes
A virtual guide will present the cultural attractions and sites in the Rhodope Mountains in the territory of Smolyan, Kardzhali and Evros (Greece), the Association of Rhodope Municipalities (ARM) announces.
The map for virtual crossbordering trips is being developed under a project implemented by...
date: 04.01.2012
Photo Story on the Tarpans
Dnevnik daily publishes a photo story on the tarpans near to the village of Sbor, Krumovgrad Municipality. The author of the story is the Dirk van Harten, the only Dutch journalist working and living in Bulgaria. Since October 2008, he is a correspondent in Bulgaria for Dutch national newspaper...
date: 29.12.2011
First Platform for Supplementary Artificial Feeding of Egyptian Vultures is in the Eastern Rhodopes
The first platform for supplementary artificial feeding of Egyptian Vultures was built in mid December in the Eastern Rhodopes, Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds informs.
Preparatory work related to the supplementary artificial feeding of Egyptian Vultures breeding in areas with scarce...
date: 22.12.2011
NTG Shepherd is One of the Winners in Contest for Support Biodiversity
Miroslav Huskov, breeder and member of a focus group within New Thracian Gold project (NTG), won a competition for supporting the local farmers in areas with high biodiversity.About a 1.5 month ago Green Balkans, with the financial support of the German Foundation EURONATUR announced a competition...
date: 21.12.2011
Guarantee Fund under RDP with Financial Resources of BGN 335 Million
Minister of Agriculture and Food Miroslav Naydenov and CEO of the Bulgarian Development Bank Assen Yagodin signed an agreement establishing a Guarantee fund under the Rural Development Programme.
With a loan of BGN 335 million resourses for the creation of the Guarantee Fund are secured, BGN 265...
date: 20.12.2011
Bulgaria's Ecotourism Presented in London
At a special meeting with British journalists in the Bulgarian Cultural Institute in London the Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism presented the abundant opportunities for ecotourism in Bulgaria. The event was organised to promote Bulgarian tourism at the UK market. The journalists had the...
date: 12.12.2011
Over 800 young Farmers to Modernize their Agricultural Land
Applications for support under the NATURA 2000 environment protection network for agricultural lands (Measure 213) are being accepted for the first time this year, numbering 2,472 to date, Deputy Agriculture and Food Minister Svetlana Boyanova said Monday. She was speaking at a news conference at...
date: 12.12.2011
ARK Foundation in BNT documentary
BNT (Bulgarian National Television) broadcasted the interesting documentary To Take Interest in Others on November 24, 2011. The documentary is very special from NTG's point of view because it gives a nice impression of the work of our project partners Dutch National Postcode Lottery and ARK....
date: 08.12.2011
NTG Travelling Seminars
In November NTG organised twice a travelling seminar with nine Eastern Rhodopes entrepreneurs in farming and tourism. Main objective was to see how the NTG-colleagues are running and organising their B&B's. The group visited Mezzek, Madzharovo and Ivaylovgrad.Visited sites are Mezzek winery,...
date: 05.12.2011
Focus Groups Annual Meeting of the NTG Project
On November 28, the focus groups in the NTG project and the project team discussed at the annual NTG meeting in Krumovgrad the achievements in 2011 and plans for 2012.
Ideas from all members of the NTG focus groups are valued. It is not always able to make everything happen, but it might...
date: 03.12.2011
Round Table on Tarpan reintroduction (Wild Horses)
On 28 November representatives of several local stakeholders - authorities, local farmers, businessmen, B&B entrepreneurs, NGO sector, etc – participated in the round table on the newly reintroduced tarpans (wild horses). The introduced tarpan group arrived from the...
date: 02.12.2011
Bulgaria to be Presented on European Markets with the Message “Bulgaria - a Modern Four-season Destination”
The money for national advertising of tourism will increase by more than BGN 4 mln next year. The increase will be mainly at the expense of projects financed under Operational Programme Regional Development (OPRD). This became clear during the meeting of the National Tourism Council. The meeting...
date: 01.12.2011
NTG at the third Green Innovation Forum
Prof. Vladislav Popov, coordinator of the organic farming component of the New Thracian Gold project participated in the third Green Innovation Forum. He urged forum participants to turn to rural areas where the population is aging and poor, but possesses a great wealth of well preserved...
date: 29.11.2011
Contracts for Support under the RDP for Nearly BGN 19 Million are Being Signed
This week 80 of approved candidates will be invited to Fund "Agriculture" to sign contracts for support under the RDP Measures 311, 312 and 121. The total value of subsidies for them is nearly BGN 19 million, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.
Over BGN 12 million will be paid under 43 projects...
date: 28.11.2011
Counting of Griffon vultures in Bulgaria and Greece
Good news from BSPB about the vulture population. Griffon Vultures bred with 56 pairs in the Eastern Rhodopes in 2011. The population is recovering strongly, from 10 pairs in 1994 to 35 in 2005, and now 56 nesting pairs.
November counts with 60 participants in 30 teams to find out how many...
date: 28.11.2011
The First Bulgarian Tarpan Horses Are in Excellent Condition
The Tarpan horses reintroduced early September in the area of the village of Sbor, Krumovgrad Municipality are in excellent condition.
In the beginning of November the horses were allowed from the small enclosure (1 ha) into a larger one (2 ha). Additionally, one of the mares was provided...
date: 27.11.2011
New Website Offers Advise on Organic Farming
A newly launched website gives advise on organic farming. The authors are Prof. Stoicho Karov and his colleagues from Ecofarm – Plovdiv, Association for organic farming.
The website offers consultancy for organic farmers and provides information about books and brochures on organic...
date: 25.11.2011
Bulgaria to Promote Local Tourism in Four Countries
Bulgaria will launch a campaign to promote local tourism in Romania, Sweden, Poland and Ukraine, Capital weekly said. So far, Bulgaria has presented in these states opportunities for Bulgarian tourism only at specialised exhibitions. At the same time, statistics proves that the number of tourists...
date: 22.11.2011
Bulgaria Joined the European Charter
Bulgaria joined the European Charter on Cooperation 2011-2014, with the signature of H.E. Mr. Marin Raikov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Bulgaria to Paris, the Executive Director of the Bulgarian Agency for Food Safety Dr. Yordan Voinov, as well as representatives of...
date: 21.11.2011
NTG Representative Participated in Green Belt Conference
Stefan Avramov, an expert on biodiversity in the "The New Thracian Gold" project took part in the Third Balkan Green Belt Conference in Ulcinj, Montenegro from 16 to 18 November.
Over 50 representatives of NGOs and Ministries of Environment in Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, Romania, Serbia,...
date: 20.11.2011
The Number of the Nights Spent in the Accommodation Establishments in Bulgaria Rose by18.9%
In the third quarter of 2011, the total number of the nights spent in the accommodation establishments was 11 155.8 thousand and rose by 1 769.5 thousand (18.9%) compared to the same period of 2010, the National Statistical Institute informs. In the third quarter of 2011, the number of nights spent...
date: 19.11.2011
A Guarantee Fund under Rural Development Program Will be Created
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food will create Guarantee Scheme under Rural Development Program 2007-2013 (RDP), the Ministry of Agriculture and Food informs. Budget of Guarantee Fund amounted to EUR 245 000 000, as more than 80% of funds will be paid by European Agricultural Fund for Rural...
date: 18.11.2011
EU has Approved Two-Year Extension of Deadline for Restructuring of Dairy Farms in Bulgaria
During meeting of Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health with absolute majority, Member States of European Union adopted two-year extension of deadline for restructuring of dairy farms in Bulgaria, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food informs.With this decision dairy enterprises in...
date: 17.11.2011
Bulgarians Get 6 Extended Holiday Breaks in 2012
Bulgaria's calendar for 2012 will include six extended breaks from work around several major holidays, the cabinet decided Wednesday, during its regularly scheduled Council of Ministers meeting. The extended holidays provide a perfect opportunity for tourist trips.
The firs one relates to Easter...
date: 16.11.2011
9% VAT for Tourism
On November 15, the Parliament passed at first reading several important amendments in a number of tax bills. The amendments involve the Individual Tax, Value Added Tax (VAT) and the Excise and Tax Warehouses Acts.
In tourism, the reduced to 9% VAT will be now used not only by hotels, but in...
date: 15.11.2011
New Tourism Strategy Spells Bright Future for Bulgaria
Bulgaria will launch a major new tourism strategy highlighting the wide range of attractions the country has to offer as it attempts to raise its profile in the UK as a mainstream holiday destination during the participation of the country at the World Travel Market, Travel Daily News...
date: 14.11.2011
National Budget for Animal Breeding and Vegetable Producing for 2012 is Guaranteed
There is no change in the amount of contacted national funds for state aid and additional payments to European financial support in sectors animal breeding, including cattle, sheep breeding, goat breeding, pig and poultry industry, as well as for support of potato, fruits, vegetables and tobacco...
date: 10.11.2011
A New Admission under Measure 121 of RDP
On November 21, 2011 new acceptance of application for support under Measure 121 “Modernization of Agricultural Holdings” of Rural Development Program has started, the Misnitry of Agriculture and Food informs. The acceptance will end on December 21, 2011. It is related to the...
date: 07.11.2011
Over 200 Mosques in the Rhodopes Celebrate Kurban Bayrami
Thousands of Muslim Bulgarians thronged in over 200 mosques and smaller houses of worship in Eastern Rhodopes for the festive prayers on Kurban Bayrami (Eid al-Adha), Standart daily writes. The imams reminded of the basic Islamic values. The congregation offered a prayer to Allah for prosperity,...
date: 06.11.2011
Meeting on Iron Curtain Trail
On 3 and 4 November in Svilengrad a meeting was organized to develop a long term strategy for establishing and promoting the southeastern section of the European biking route number 13, known as the Iron Curtain Trail.
The 7000 kilometers route of the Iron Curtain begins at the Barents Sea...
date: 04.11.2011
Projects for Modernization of Farms and Micro Enterprises Receive Nearly BGN 7.8 Million
Financial support is granted for 30 projects under Measures 121 “Modernization of Agricultural Holdings” and 312 “Support for Establishment and Development of Micro Enterprises” of Rural Development Program, the Ministry of Agricultural and Food informs. They were approved...
date: 03.11.2011
Farmers Prove the Training in Agroecology until the end of November
Farmers, approved for the first time for support under Measure 214 “Agro ecological Payments” in 2010, have to submit documents proving the existence of experience in their activities, until November 30, 2011. The term regards also to farmers, who suspended their agro ecological...
date: 02.11.2011
The Winners of the First Competition „Eastern Rhodopes – Taste the Wild Nature“
Vladimir Sulov and Valentina Raykova are the winners of the first New Thracian Gold-contest fort the most interesting itinerary and best photo from the Eastern Rhodopes.
Vladimir Sulov wins the photo competition with his View of the Priest (Perperikon). Sulov is actually twice a winner, because...
date: 01.11.2011
Competition for support of local farmers in areas with high biodiversity
Green Balkans, with the support of EuroNatur - Fund for European Heritage, began recruiting candidates for participation in the project for “Support local farmers in areas with high biodiversity - protected areas in Natura 2000 and Green Belt ".
The aim of the project is to support different...
date: 30.10.2011
Farmers and Forest Owners Can Apply for Consultancy Since 14 November
On November 14, a new measure of the Rural Development Programme – 114, "Use of consultancy services by farmers and forest owners" starts, the Ministry of Agriculture and Foods announces. Applications under this measure will be accepted by the regional directorates of the...
date: 29.10.2011
Diet Study of Egyptian Vultures in Greece
Team of the Bulgarian Society for Protection Birds (BSPB) participated from 21 to 23 October in the started diet study on the diet of f the Egyptian Vulture in the Greek part of the Eastern Rhodopes at the invitation of WWF Greece. Food residues were collected from five nests of species they will...
date: 27.10.2011
Over BGN 11 Million Will Be Invested in Modernization of Agricultural Holdings and Rural Tourism
State Fund “Agriculture” approved grants amounted to BGN 11 077 173 for 56 projects under three measures of Rural Development Program (RDP), the Ministry of Agriculture and Foods announces. Financing nearly BGN 5 564 000 will go to 37 projects under Measure 121 “Modernization of...
date: 24.10.2011
Bulgaria's Western Rhodope Mountains Gear Up for Brown Bear Counting
A team of over 100 scientists, experts and environmentalists will be counting brown bears in Bulgaria's Western Rhodope Mountains on October 26-27.
The size of the brown bear population will be determined using bear footprints, biological marking and bear dens, Dnevnik daily reported.
The...
date: 21.10.2011
Rare Protected Plant Was Discovered in the Region of Haskovo
Northern Thracian collinar [Astragalus thracicus] is a very rare plant in the xerothermic oak belt of the hills and rim of the Northern Thracian plain (East Rumelian plain) of southeastern Bulgaria, in particular, in the Bakadzicita hills of the Yambol Tundzja basin and in the foothills of the...
date: 20.10.2011
Bulgarian Tourism Marches Confidently Out of the Crisis
Expectations for a better tourist season this year have been confirmed by statistics. In the first eight months of 2011, more than four million tourists visited Bulgaria, representing an increase of more than five per cent on the year. Sector revenues during the same period were also higher,...
date: 18.10.2011
Areas Cultivated With Organic Cultures in Bulgaria Have Increased 10 Times Since 2008
Areas cultivated with bio cultures in Bulgaria have increased approximately to 10 times since 2008 to present, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food informed. This was announced at the closing conference of the "Biomania 2011" "Europe gives funding for organic farming," which was held in...
date: 17.10.2011
Tobacco Growers Become Spa and Wellness Experts
The villagers in the Rhodope Mountains who have been growing tobacco for generations have recently switched to a new profession, Standart daily writes. Spa tourism is becoming increasingly more popular in the region, especially in the village of Ognyanovo, Western Rhodopes famous for its hot...
date: 16.10.2011
The New Thracian Gold Presented at the “Mountains of Bulgaria” Fair
Entrepreneurs from the Western Rhodopes have shown interest in the project "The New Thracian Gold" (NTG). They would like to visit the Eastern Rhodopes to learn how they can find their own "gold" and implement the sustainable NTG approach in their region as an alternative for the mass...
date: 16.10.2011
Organic Production Has Increased By 75%
Organic production has increased by 75%, said the deputy Minister of Agriculture and Foods Svetlana Boyanova at the opening of the fair of organic producers, which took place in Sofia on 15 October, Darik radio reported quoting the release of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF). The...
date: 15.10.2011
Parner Farmers of NTG Participated in the “Biomania” 2011 Fair
On October 13 2011, an Agro ecology day took place at the fair “Biomania” . The event was supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and organized by the foundation “Bioselena” from Karlovo. There were foods and other products from organic producers, certified or in the...
date: 14.10.2011
Eastern Europe Emerging Economies Among Those to Benefit from Future Tourist Upswing – WTO
The number of tourists travelling outside their countries is projected to reach 1.8 billion within 20 years, with emerging economies – among them, those in Eastern Europe – responsible for the highest growth rates, according to a new report by the United Nations World Tourism...
date: 13.10.2011
Study for Reintroduction of European Bison in the Rhodopes Has Begun
In late September, Polish,Dutch and Bulgarian experts on European Bison visited several areas in the valley of the rivers Arda and Byala Reka in the Eastern Rhodopes and mountain ridge Mursalitsa in Western Rhodopes to study the possibility of reintroduction of this extinct herbivore...
date: 13.10.2011
Project Acceptance For Rural Tourism Is Forthcoming
Project acceptance for rural tourism under Measure 311 “Diversification to non-governmental activities” is forthcoming to be announced in November. That was announced by experts from “Rural Development” Directorate in Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Diana Trifonova and...
date: 10.10.2011
Strandzha Entrepreneurs Visited The Eastern Rhodopes
A group of 31 entrepreneurs from Strandzha Mountains visited the Eastern Rhodopes in the period of 4 October to 7 October. The objective of this visit was share of experience of people from the two regions striving to develop it into attractive eco tourism destinations. The trip was organized by...
date: 08.10.2011
"BioMania 2011"
A series of events under the initiative "BioMania 2011" will be held in October in Bulgaria. They are part of a campaign by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food to promote organic farming and organic products by demonstrating best practices and organizing the celebration of farmers in...
date: 05.10.2011
Life + Project ‘The Return of the Neophron’ Starts
The Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) announces that the European Commission decided to finance its proposal for urgent measures to conserve the Egyptian Vulture in Bulgaria and Greece and along its flyway titled ‘The return of the Neophron’. The proposal is a...
date: 04.10.2011
Rhodope Mountains, the home of the first farm certified for organic meat
BNR, Bulgarian National Radio broadcasted in September a reportage on the Wild farm of Betty and Nikolay. The journalist pointed out the Rhodope Mountains are the home of the first farm certified for organic meat
Read the reportage:
The Bulgarian meat market is quite specific. It is almost...
date: 01.10.2011
EU Residents Took a Billion Holiday Trips in 2010, Eurostat Says
In 2010, residents of the 27 member countries of the European Union made about a billion holiday trips, according to figures released by EU statistics office Eurostat to make European Tourism Day on September 27.Of these trips, about 75 per cent were within the country where people were living, and...
date: 27.09.2011
IFOAM launched its Organic Guarantee System and the Global Organic Mark
On 14th February 2011 after six years of discussion IFOAM launched its Organic Guarantee System and the Global Organic Mark, EcoConnect bulletin announces. Key elements of that reform are the so called 'Family of Standards', a list of organic good practice standards. It contains all standards...
date: 21.09.2011
Environmental Festival In Kardzhali
Two films won Stork Nest Grand Prix at the International Environmental Festival "Green Wave - 21st Century" for films and TV programmes dedicated to ecology and environmental protection (16 – 18 September): Radioactive Wolves (Austria, 2010, ORF Natural History Unit, Klaus Feichtenberger), an...
date: 19.09.2011
Bulgaria Generates BGN 2 Bln. From Tourism
Bulgaria has not ever enjoyed such good income from tourism as reported in the latest report of BNB, Bulgarian National Bank for the period January - July 2011. The revenues of the seven months are € 961.3 million (nearly BGN 2 billion). This is an increase of 6.7% over the same period...
date: 18.09.2011
Bio & Eco Expo 2011 in Sofia
Over 60 Bulgarian and foreign companies were present at the second Bio&Eco international exhibition in the National Palace of Culture in Sofia on September 14 – 17. The Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry was the organizer of the specialized display for organic food, drinks,...
date: 17.09.2011
Day for Organic Farming in the Eastern Rhodopes
On 9 September, the model organic farm in the village of Topolovo, Madzharovo municipality, which is supported by the Bulgarian-Dutch project "The New Thracian Gold", gathered together farmers, processors and the local community of the Eastern Rhodopes region..
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of The...
date: 09.09.2011
First Tarpans arrived in Bulgaria
First 12 Tarpans (wild horses) arrived today in Bulgaria from the Netherlands. They are planned to be reintroduced first time in Bulgaria in the region of the Eastern Rhodopes. This unique introduction is part of the wilderness restoration activities of the Bulgarian-Dutch project for...
date: 05.09.2011
Youngsters started the marking of eco trail in the Eastern Rhodopes
Young eco activists from Kardzhali started the marking of a new eco trail from Madzharovo to the village of Chernichino in the Eastern Rhodopes. They will get help from the two charity ambassadors of the Dutch Postcode Lottery Rikus and Sijmen who are in the region to get acquainted with the...
date: 28.08.2011
Dutch Postcode Lottery Charity Ambassadors visit the Eastern Rhodopes
Dutch Postcode Lottery Charity Ambassadors Rikus Wegman and Sijmen Tenwolde started their visit to Bulgaria with a meeting with the Ambassadors of the netherlands Karel van Kesteren. The two guys are until 2 September in Bulgaria to witness the achievements made in the “New Thracian...
date: 26.08.2011
Ornithological tourism in Bulgaria is most attractive for Britons
About 1500 foreign tourists visited Bulgaria last year to enjoy our rich nature, to see and photograph rare butterflies, birds, bats, lizards and flowers, Zemia (Earth) daily reports.Among those foreign tourists birdwatchers are most numerous and they come from Britain, Germany, Belgium,...
date: 16.08.2011
Bulgaria Among Top 10 Developing Countries for Adventure Tourism
Bulgaria features on the top 10 of destinations for adventure tourism among developing countries, a survey of George Washington University in Washington DC has found.
Among the developing countries, Israel, Slovakia and Chile have been highlited as the leaders in terms of adventure tourism...
date: 10.08.2011
A Record Number Of Griffon Vulture Pairs In The Eastern Rhodopes
Record 56 pairs of Griffon Vulture numbered in the annual monitoring of birds in the Eastern Rhodopes by the Bulgarian Society for Protection of Birds (BSPB). This is the largest number of couples registered in the last 23 years. There were 47 couples in 2010.
A significant improvement in...
date: 03.08.2011
The Eastern Rhodopes and NTG in the News
The Eastern Rhodopes, its beauty and hospitable people are in the centre of several articles and reportages in the Bulgarian media in June and July.
They are a result of the trip organized by the ”New Thracian Gold”...
date: 01.08.2011
Bread Festival In The Eastern Rhodopes
Lots of farmers, organic food lovers and tourists attended the unique Eastern Rhodopes Bread Festival, which was held in the Tepavitsata complex in the village of Rabovo, Municipality of Stambolovo on 22 and 23 July. They could see with their own eyes the traditional and authentic spelt...
date: 25.07.2011
The Rhodopes Are Among The Most Popular Bulgarian Tourist Destinations For Foreigners
The Rhodopes are among the most popular tourist destinations among the foreigners who visit Bulgaria. This is the outcome of a recent survey conducted on the request of the Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism.
The Rhodopes are one the regions in Bulgaria with the highest density of cultural...
date: 15.07.2011
Competition for the most interesting itinerary and best photo „Eastern Rhodopes – taste the wild nature“
Bulgarian-Dutch project for sustainable development of the Eastern Rhodopes "New Thracian Gold" organizes two contests: for the most interesting itinerary and for the best photo from the Eastern Rhodopes.
We expect you to tell us about your findings in the Eastern Rhodopes – ...
date: 01.07.2011
Eastern Rhodopes entrepreneurs inspired by a share-of-experience trip
Each year NTG’s tourism officers organize a special study tour for our team of B&B entrepreneurs. To learn from experienced B&B owners in other Bulgarian regions. This year the share-of-experience trip went to the area of Predela, Southwestern Bulgaria (23-26 June 2011)
12...
date: 28.06.2011
“Battle” Between Thracians and Romans in Perperikon
The 11th edition of International Festival "Perperikon 2011" ended on June 25 with a "battle" between Romans and Thracians in Perperikon.
The battle was a reconstruction of real historical events that happened in the first century. In the midst of the battle appeared a sign: Dionysus signaled...
date: 26.06.2011
Perperikon 2011 International Art Festival
Monologue with a Suitcase performed by Bulgarian Gerasim Dishliev, a disciple of famous mime Marcel Marceau, is one of the highlights in the programme of the 11th Perperikon Art Festival. The festival is scheduled to be held June 20 to 25. The opening is today in Dimitar Dimov City...
date: 20.06.2011
Seminar on organic marketing for Eastern Rhodopes producers
21 agricultural producers from the Eastern Rhodopes participated in the seminar on organic marketing and legislation requirements related to it organized by the New Thracian Gold (NTG) project on 10 June in Kardzhali. The major lecturers were Assoc. Prof. V.Popov ...
date: 11.06.2011
Four Tortoises Rescued in the Kurdzhali Region
Environmental experts rescued and released back into the wild four Hermann's tortoises (Testudo hermanni), the Haskovo Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water said in a press release.
This is the second case of tortoise poaching in the Kurdzhali Region this year, after environmental...
date: 08.06.2011
B&B Plan of a Gorno Pole Family is Approved
The plan of the young family Blagovesta and Nikolay Vassilievi for developing B&B in the village of Gorno pole, Haskovo region was approved by the Ministry of the Agriculture. They have applied for funding under the Rural Development Operational Programme.
Betty and Nikolay are the owners of...
date: 25.05.2011
Ardino Will Host Festival of Turkish Folklore
The third Turkish Folklore festival in Bulgaria will be held in Ardino this July. The event coincides with the 90th anniversary of the town community and cultural centre Rodopska Iskra - Resmi Murad, the Мayor of the town and co-organiser of the event said. The festival is supported by the...
date: 23.05.2011
The President announced the Need of Strategy for the Eastern Rhodopes
President Georgi Parvanov announced the need of a special strategy for the development of the Eastern Rhodopes. The President paid a visit on May 20 to Kardzhali, where he met the Mayor Hasan Azis and participated in the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of Kаrdzhali branch of the Plovdiv...
date: 20.05.2011
NTG at the Kardzhali Festival in May
The New Thracian Gold project was the only organization with green activities that was presented at the Kardzhali Festival “Future with Traditions” (14 May). The project had a small pavilion which was furnished with NTG tourism and agricultural products from the Eastern Rhodopes.
More...
date: 14.05.2011
Beautiful orchids are blooming in the Eastern Rhodopes
The Orchid Roman Dactylorhiza (Dactylorhiza romana) is blossoming in the Eastern Rhodopes. This beautiful orchid grows in the Mediterranean, Asia Minor (Anatalia) and in the Balkans, including in many places in Bulgaria.
In the Eastern Rhodopes, Dactylorhiza romana grows only in forests on the...
date: 05.05.2011
English lessons courses in Madzharovo
Farmers, municipal employees, owners of guest houses and others involved in tourism in the town and the region of Madzharovo received certificates for successfully completed courses in English: seven for Bginners’ level and six - for Elementary. The courses began in March and October 2010...
date: 02.05.2011
The Vegetarian Party of “The New Thracian Gold” project
More than 120 people visited the Vegetarian party of the New Thracian Gold project (NTG) at the Green Days, festival in Sofia on 30 April, Saturday.They tasted delicious Eastern Rhodopes products, most of them organic: walnuts and almonds from the village of Pelevun, sesame tahini from Ivaylovgrad,...
date: 01.05.2011
Joint actions of alpinists and environmentalists for protection rare birds in the Eastern Rhodopes
Rock climbers and NTG team experts acted synchronously and showed how rare birds can be saved and protected through joint actions.
Days before climbing "Momina Skala 2011" which took place from 22 to 25 April in the Kardzhali region, experts of “The New Thracian gold“ project and...
date: 26.04.2011
First Egyptian Vultures this Spring in the Rhodopes
The first couples of Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) are back in the Eastern Rhodopes and began to repair their nests.
Egyptian Vulture is a globally threatened species. A few centuries ago it was a numerous bird and even nested on the hills in Plovdiv (Southern Bulgaria), the second...
date: 21.04.2011
New important sources of information for the organic producers
More information on the links below
http://www.organic-market.info/
http://biozemedelie.start.bg/
date: 15.04.2011
Griffon Vultures Hatched in the Eastern Rhodopes
Three small Griffon vultures hatched in the Eastern Rhodopes, the team of the New Thracian Gold project found out. A few dozen couples in several colonies are still incubating and expect to hatch their young soon.
In the past thousands of Griffon vultures lived in Bulgaria. In the 20th century...
date: 13.04.2011
Young Volunteers cleaned up Arda river
Young volunteers from the Eastern Rhodopes cleaned up the Arda river near the town of Madzharovo during their spring holiday. They participated in the Green School, which is part of the Field lessons in nature conservation, the educational youth program of the New Thracian Gold...
date: 11.04.2011
Seminar for agricultural producers from the Eastern Rhodopes
Twelve agricultural producers participated in the seminar on organic sesame production and processing on April 8 in the town Ivaylovgrad.
The major lecturer/trainer was Prof. St.Karov (Association Ecofarm-Plovdiv) and Mr. Nikolaj Tihov from Bioselena Foundation. Together with Dr. V.Popov (Avalon...
date: 08.04.2011
Chasing away bad spirits in Ivaylovgrad
Ivaylovgrad celebrates Kukei day, the traditional Bulgarian ritual to scare away evil spirits. Costumed men perform a dance and walk through the village, to chase away the bad spirits and provide a good harvest, health and happiness for the inhabitants. The costumes cover most of the body and...
date: 20.03.2011
Record number of rare Griffon vulture in the Eastern Rhodopes
Between March 3 and 13 2011 a team of the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds counted a record number of pairs of the rare Griffon vulture on the territory of the Eastern Rhodopes. Kardzhali region is the only place in Bulgaria where this protected species nests along the right bank of...
date: 17.03.2011
NTG at AGRA 2011
The “New Thracian Gold” project (NTG) presentation in the International Agricultural Exhibition AGRA 2011 (9-13 March) raised a huge interest among visitors, organic products’ producers and processors, researchers and practitioners, environmental NGO’s and...
date: 14.03.2011
Entrepreneurs from Ivaylovgrad received certificates for English language
13 entrepreneurs from the region of Ivaylovgrad received certificates for a successfully completed course in English, organized and financed by the “The New Thracian Gold" project.
From October 2010 till the end of February, the owners of hotels/guest houses and employees in sectors...
date: 11.03.2011
“New Thracian Gold” at Holiday Spa & Expo 2011
Nearly 700 visitors of the traditional international exhibition "Holiday & Spa Expo in Sofia (17-19 February) stopped by the stand of the "New Thracian Gold" project (NTG). Among them were representatives of 78 travel agencies and ten media. The new tourist map of the Eastern Rhodopes,...
date: 20.02.2011
NTG Training of agricultural producers from Eastern Rhodopes
25 agricultural producers participated in a NTG training on organic plant protection in Kardzhali on 18-19 February 2011. Three trainers, among them Prof. St.Karov (Ecofarm) and Assoc.Prof. V.Popov (Avalon BG), have covered the topics related to organic certification of target crops, processing and...
date: 19.02.2011
New Tourist Map of Eastern Rhodopes
The latest and most detailed up to now tourist map for the Eastern Rhodopes has been elaborated by Bulgarian and Dutch experts of the New Thracian gold project. The map presents all attractions of the Eastern Rhodopes fully covering ten municipalities - Kardzhali, Ardino,...
date: 18.02.2011
Presentation of the Eastern Rhodopes map
Michaela Kircheva and Hristo Hristov, coordinators on tourism and biodiversity in the "New Thracian Gold”(NTG) project, presented the new tourist map on the Eastern Rhodopes at the international Fair Holiday SPA & Expo in Sofia (17-19 February) . Over 60 people (guests...
date: 18.02.2011
New EU project in organic agriculture
IMPLEMENTATION OF A QUALITY ASSURANCE SYSTEM FOR TRAINING IN ORGANIC FOOD RETAIL - ECOQUALIFY III PROJECT 2010-1-GR1-LEO05-03967 - EU LIFELONG LEARNING PROGRAMME - LEONARDO DA VINCI-TRANSFER OF INNOVATION
The market of organic products in Europe is generally expanding. The annual growth is...
date: 28.01.2011
Eurasian Crag Martin Spotted Midwinter in Eastern Rhodopes
A Eurasian crag martin was spotted in the Eastern Rhodopes during the midwinter waterbird counting (15-16 January 2011).This is the first sighting in at least fifteen years. Until now only storks have been occasionally reported to winter in the area. The crag martin is the first migratory bird to...
date: 20.01.2011
A bear and a cub in the Eastern Rhodopes
Recently, employees of Forestry Agency - Krumovgrad department noticed traces of a bear and its cub in the area on the department. According to local hunters these were tracks of two bear cubs.
This is the first known present-day reproduction of a bear in the territory of the Eastern ...
date: 01.03.2011
Rare Breeds’ Exhibition Madzharovo 2010
Fourteen farmers from Eastern Rhodopes presented their animals from rare indigenous breeds typical for this region on 27 November 2010 at the Rare Breeds' Exhibition in town of Madzharovo, Kardzhali region.
The exhibition was organized by the Dutch-Bulgarian New Thracian Gold project in...
date: 27.11.2010
Annual meeting of NTG focus groups from the Eastern Rhodopes - Upcoming
On 30th of November 2010 in the town of Kardzhali will be held the annual meeting of the management team of the Bulgarian-Dutch project “The New Thracian Gold” with focus groups from the five target municipalities of the project – Madzharovo, Ivaylovgrad, Kardzhali, Stambolovo and...
date: 23.11.2010
Eco guides training in the Eastern Rhodopes
Twelve were the participants in specialized training "Introduction to the profession of the mountain guide”, organized by the project “The New Thracian Gold” in four consecutive weeks from 28 October to 19 November 2010. The program touched major topics divided into 4 modules -...
date: 22.11.2010
Annual autumn Bird Counting
Annual bird counting in the Eastern Rhodopes in Bulgaria and Greece. The main organizer of this initiative is the Bulgarian Society for Protection of Birds together with the Green Balkans Association and Greek colleagues from WWF Greece and EPO Greece. A team of the NTG project - coordinator...
date: 20.11.2010
Share of experience trip
The share-of-experience trip for 12 entrepreuners from Eastern Rhodopi area was organized in the beginning of the month of October for 4 days in Strandzha Mountains.
Some of the purposes of the training:
to share good practices and ideas with Strandzha people who already walked the way...
date: 10.10.2010
