Vortragender: Radoslav Stanchev (Executive Environment Agency (ExEA))

In Bulgaria, the Executive Environment Agency (ExEA) is responsible for administering biodiversity monitoring within the framework of the National System for Monitoring the State of Biodiversity (NSMSBD). 

The NSMSBD's primary objective is to provide the information necessary for implementing an efficient and effective national environmental conservation policy. This is achieved by:

• systematic monitoring of elements of biodiversity and processes affecting their condition using scientifically reliable and practically applicable methods of data collection and processing;

• assessment and analysis of the state of biological diversity and the influence of various factors on its components. 

• The implementation of national legislation and strategic documents;

• The fulfilment of Bulgaria's obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) and the Birds Directive (2009/147/EEC), as well as other international agreements. 

• Warning of processes and trends leading to the damage or extinction of species and habitats. 

• Providing information on the state of biodiversity in a format that is convenient for public use. 

A total of 962 species and 93 types of natural habitat are monitored. Methods have been developed for collecting primary data in the field and for assessing the status at site, biogeographical region and national levels for almost all of these objects. Those involved in biodiversity monitoring include regional environmental inspectorates, national and nature park employees, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences scientists, experts and volunteers from non-governmental organisations. 

Biodiversity monitoring is mainly financed by the state budget and projects under various programmes: The Operational Programme Environment, the LIFE Programme, the Financial Mechanism of the European Economic Area (EEA Grants) and scientific programmes financed by the Ministry of Education and Science (MES). ExEA actively participates in several European-funded international projects to develop and implement new, modern methods for monitoring biological groups. These include the Biodiversa Plus and MAIA projects under the European Commission's Horizon Europe programme.

The National System for Monitoring of Biological Diversity (NSMSBD) has been operating since 2007 and, in accordance with the regulations, is updated every 10 years in line with new requirements or methods for monitoring biological species and natural habitats. The results of these observations are published in the National Report on the State and Protection of the Environment, as well as in reports that comply with the requirements of the nature directives.