Burgas, Bulgaria

Greening City

Burgas, the fourth largest city in Bulgaria, is situated on the picturesque Black Sea Coast, at the eastern border of the European Union. The city is uniquely surrounded by water: to the east lies the Black Sea, while the north, west, and south are bordered by three seaside lakes—Burgas, Atanasovsko, and Mandrensko. These natural water bodies contribute significantly to the city's ecological landscape, providing a habitat for diverse species and supporting rich biodiversity.

Image by barurezeki

Greening Cities will participate in capacity building through UrbanbyNature and will test the UNP development framework, ensuring that their renaturing activites meet the requirements of the Urban Nature Platform.

The Urban Landscape

Urban nature is a constant in Burgas. The city's sandy beaches attract both locals and tourists, offering recreational spaces that integrate seamlessly with the urban environment. The area is also a crucial stopover along the migratory routes of various bird species, earning it the moniker of an "air highway" for migrating birds. Additionally, the nearby Strandzha Natural Park and the Burgas Mineral Springs add to the city's natural allure.

Commitment to Conservation and Sustainability

Approximately 20% of the municipality’s land area is protected due to its impressive biodiversity and serves as a sanctuary for endangered species of migrating birds, fish, and mammals. This commitment to preserving natural habitats underscores Burgas' dedication to environmental conservation and sustainable urban development.

Burgas is a signatory to the Green City Accord, reflecting its commitment to protecting the natural environment and achieving ambitious goals by 2030. As part of this accord, city leaders in Burgas have pledged to take further action in five critical areas: air, water, nature and biodiversity, waste and circular economy, and noise reduction.

Role in UNP+

As a "greening city," Burgas will participate in the capacity-building programme UrbanByNature, which will support cities in creating and implementing the Urban Nature Plan (UNP) framework.

Image by Mulleflupp at Wikivoyage