On 5 February, a regular meeting of the Advisory Council of the Persina Nature Park Directorate was held at the Visitor Centre of the park. The meeting was dedicated to celebrating World Wetlands Day - 2 February - which is emblematic of Persina Nature Park and its activities aimed at conserving some of the most valuable wetlands along the Danube River.
The session was attended by representatives of relevant stakeholders who have an advisory role regarding the park’s activities and the implementation of the Management Plan of the protected area. The agenda included a report on the activities of the Persina Nature Park Directorate, as well as a discussion of the main challenges faced by the administration in managing wetlands in the context of changing climate conditions and the dynamic hydrology of the Danube River.
“Wetlands are the heart of Persina Nature Park, and their sustainable management is key not only to biodiversity conservation but also to our adaptation to climate change. Meetings like today’s are extremely important for coordination between institutions and our partners,” emphasised the Director of Persina Nature Park Directorate, Eng. Stella Bozhinova, during the meeting.
As part of the forum, and in connection with World Wetlands Day, the work related to the implementation of the Ramsar Convention provisions at the local level was also presented. The presentation was delivered by the regional office of the DANUBEPARKS Network of Protected Areas through the Danube WILDisland Ramsar Regional Initiative, which works for the conservation and sustainable management of Danube islands and their associated wetlands.
Wetlands are among the most valuable yet most vulnerable ecosystems in the world. They play a key role in preserving biodiversity, regulating water regimes, reducing flood risks, and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Wetlands provide habitats for numerous rare and endangered plant and animal species, as well as essential ecosystem services for local communities. Their conservation and sustainable management are among the main priorities in the work of Persina Nature Park and its partners.
The event dedicated to World Wetlands Day is part of the implementation of measures aimed at promoting the Danube WILDisland Ramsar Regional Initiative.
Text and photo:
Persina Nature Park Directorate