1 July 2011
Bulgaria Designates New Ramsar Site
story highlights

The Dragoman Marsh Karst Complex, which consists of marshes, wet meadows, several karst springs, two artificial lakes including the Petarch Fishponds, and the Blato River, provides habitat for 256 bird species, including internationally endangered species.

1 July 2011: The Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention) has announced that the Government of Bulgaria has designated the Dragoman Marsh Karst Complex as Wetland of International Importance. The site consists of marshes, wet meadows, several karst springs, two artificial lakes including the Petarch Fishponds, and the Blato River.

The site, which is also registered as a Protected Area and a Natura 2000 site, provides habitat for 256 bird species, including internationally endangered species. The area is important as a stopover site for water bird species, and many other species can be found that are protected on an international, European or national level. The Complex also plays a role in flood control and ensures good water quality for the surrounding villages. [Ramsar Press Release]