High Nature Value Farming in Western Stara Planina - Bulgaria

STEP factsheet, December 2024

Main goals of the project

To improve the socio-economic situation of the farmers in the region by:

• developing and testing a Result-based agri-environment payment schemes (RBAPS) using conservation important plant species in High Nature Value Farming/Natura 2000
• facilitating the use of new market channels for products from High Nature Value Farming

Overview

The Western Stara Planina (WSP) Innovation Hub is situated in north-western Bulgaria on the border with Serbia. It is predominantly a mountainous area of exceptional beauty and biodiversity richness. WSP is dominated by pastures and meadows (63%) many of which are public (72%). Small scale mosaics of farmland are typical around village settlements. High Nature Value (HNV) farming systems are our main focus.

Among our biggest achievements so far are:

• Recognition of STEP as trusted partner by WSP Innovation Hub actors
• Changing the rules for using of municipal grasslands in favour of livestock breeders
• Securing the support for HNV grasslands in the Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan (CAP SP) for 2023-2027

Design and testing of a pilot for HNV grasslands RBAPS is now at the focus of the Hub's activities.

Innovation Hub facilitator: Vyara Stefanova