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Natural heritage (NH) includes natural features that can be described as outstanding universal value at a national level. It refers to the importance of ecosystems, biodiversity, and geodiversity for their existence value, and the ecosystems can be considered as the spatial units for its mapping and assessment. The ecosystem services (ES) concept provides an appropriate basis in the form of assessment and mapping methods that enable linking the state of ecosystems with human well-being. Thus, it can be used as a platform to find solutions to the problems related to the conflicts between conservation and the use of the NH. In this paper, we aim to present the process of developing a methodological framework for mapping and assessment of ecosystem services provided by the natural heritage in Bulgaria for recreation and tourism. The conceptual framework of the ecosystem-based assessment of NH in Bulgaria is based on the assumption that the generation of NH for the needs of tourism can be presented as the linkages between the natural systems and tourism in the form of ES potential, flow, and demand. The results demonstrate that the NH can be presented as a spatial phenomenon conceptualized by the flows of benefits from ecosystems to people which contribute to human well-being. The mapping and assessment procedures are fully developed for application at a national level, while for the regional and local level, few pilot studies mark some basic foundations for further development.

Natural Capital Accounting (NCA) has evolved rapidly in recent years through substantial efforts of both international organizations and the scientific community. Water regulation ecosystem services (ES) are key elements of regulating services in ecosystem accounting, with most relevant studies strongly relying on models for ES quantification up to now. In this paper, we provide a review of modeling efforts for water regulation ES based on 148 scientific papers, properly systematized, analyzed and interpreted by using a detailed and structured original template. We examined emerging trends and gaps in model applications and the readiness to integrate them into the NCA and SEEA-EA frameworks. We propose a classification scheme which organizes the 92 different models and modeling approaches identified in the review process into eight model categories so that this scheme can be efficiently used in the water ES assessment of and for further integration into the accounting framework. Among the models, the hydrologic model SWAT and the modeling tool InVEST are by far the most popular. The results of the review revealed differences between the general ES literature and the accounting-related papers. Moreover, our analysis sets the basis for useful recommendations of which model categories are the most appropriate for the water regulation ES, included in the SEEA-EA reference list. Based on the number of relevant papers, the reliability and the confidence level of the recommendations for the use of models have been incorporated in our analysis. We highlight as model category with the highest confidence the ones relative to quantification water flow and flood control service aiming at ES accounting. Models for erosion control ES can only be recommended with a lower confidence, while for water purification the results lack clear evidence for using a particular group of models. Based on the research findings we identified the main research priorities on model integration in the accounting of water regulation ES: 1) further development of guidelines for the use of models in ecosystem accounting; 2) analyses of the spatial aspects of the model towards a clear distinction between ecosystem service supply and use; and 3) development of integrated modeling approaches for water regulation ES accounting. © 2022 The Author(s)

Natural heritage (NH) is an important element of the natural capital of each country, and as such, represents key assets that deliver various benefits to the citizens. The rich and diverse NH of Bulgaria is a prerequisite for the development of various activities such as recreation and tourism, but these activities have also negative impact on some of the NH’s elements. The concept of ecosystem services (ES) has the potential for bridging the gap between the conservation and exploitation needs. In this paper, we propose an approach to prioritizing the ES provided by the natural heritage of Bulgaria for the needs of recreation and tourism. The approach is designed for the mapping of the NH but it can also support the overall process of mapping and assessment of ES. It is based on application of ES prioritization matrix (ESPM) and a five-step algorithm designed to differentiate ES into priority levels according to their significance to recreation and tourism. Through the application of the proposed approach we were able to sort out the ES into three groups (high, medium and low priority) according to their importance to recreation and tourism. The first group contains obligatory ES for each mapping and assessment activity from national to local level. The second group contains optional ES recommended for studies at regional level, while the services can be selected according to the specifics of the study. The low priority ES are recommended for local level studies in cases where the assessment requires high details and accuracy. The mapping of high priority ES at national level shows that the products of the approach can be easily adapted for various studies for assessment of NH and sustainable tourism practices using the conventional mapping methods.

Nature-based tourism and recreation are attracting attention today as the most favourable form of direct connection between people and nature, and as a very successful tool to motivate people to protect their natural heritage. This study aims to develop and test a methodology to assess the potential of an acknowledged natural heritage site in Bulgaria - Malyovitsa Range and Urdini Cirque in ‘Rila’ National Park to provide cultural ecosystem services. A holistic approach is applied, using landscapes as the main territorial unit, and source of information. For the purpose of practicing representative types of mountain tourism: ‘mountain hiking’, ‘nature education’ tourism, ‘ski touring’ and ‘mountaineering’ a total of 15 ecosystem services were assessed based on 25 biophysical and social indicators. ‘Primary forest landscapes on moraine materials’ and ‘Primary landscapes with mugo pine on igneous rocks’ receive the highest score. Based on the results obtained, an assessment of the mainstream activity - access to mountain hiking provided by the landscapes was carried out and two touristic routes with very high potential to deliver this service were identified. The results of the study are directed towards the responsible parties in support of the natural heritage conservation in Rila National Park through sustainable management the potential to provide cultural (recreational) ecosystem services. The research was conducted within the scientific programme of the project “Conceptualization, Flexible Methodology, and a Pilot Geospatial Platform for Access of the Bulgarian Natural Heritage to the European Digital Single Market of Knowledge and Information Services” within the project BG05M2OP001-1.001-0001 Establishment and Development of “Heritage BG” Centre of Excellence (Operational Program “Science and Education for Intelligent Growth”, priority Axis 1 “Research and technological development”).

The study considers forest therapy as a tool for diversification of forest management. An up-to-date integrated approach for assessing and mapping potential of forest areas which could provide conditions for forest therapy services is developed and tested. It is based on combining data from the traditional forest inventory in Bulgaria and other open databases with methods for integrated assessment and mapping of ecosystem services: 7 criteria groups and 22 indicators are proposed, rated on a 5-point scale. Overlay analysis is applied to generate a composite assessment for each forest unit. Using spatial statistics tools, territorial hot spots with potential for forest therapy are identified. The methodology was successfully tested in a pilot case-study region, Smolyan Municipality, but it is applicable at broader scale, regardless of the type and ownership of forests. This approach could be transferred to other countries as well after adapting to their geographical, geoecological and socio-cultural specifics and database available. It is a cost-effective and informative tool to support forest owners and managers to diversify forest welfare services focusing on insufficiently used forest recreation potential.

The present article outlines the most significant stages in the gradual development of international law towards a recognition of a right to information. It explores the instruments and judicial decisions in which this right has been acknowledged as well as the conditions under which it may be exercised including the categories of requesters entitled to it, the kinds of information that may be accessed and the purposes of such access. The article further examines the manifold and often conflicting aspects of the right to information and its relation to concepts such as democracy, security, freedom of expression, right to private life, corporate secrets, investigating journalism and whistleblowers. In particular, it analyses the importance of the access to information about the exercise of political power by public authorities and the crucial role it should play in enabling wellfunctioning democratic societies where responsible government, public scrutiny over the political processes and a right to an informed participation in public affairs is effectively guaranteed to all citizens. However, the risks that the public access to information poses to national security and to the well-recognized right to private life are also taken into account

The need for a closer and enhanced connection with nature, as the basis for human wellbeing, reinforces the importance of natural heritage governance, including wider and much improved access to information about nature-based tourism and recreation. This research seeks to reveal how Internet content can support the digital identification of nature sites and their branding as tourist destinations. To this end, it analyzes 20 exemplary websites, each known around the world, and highlights important current trends in the structuring and attractiveness of the information provided. Based on the devised benchmarking criteria, the study develops a benchmarking approach that improves digital “packaging” and marketing of natural heritage for the purposes of tourism, recreation, leisure, and sports, and then tests it in Bulgaria. The procedure includes the selection of 57 natural heritage sites and rating the content of their official websites. The results show an unsatisfactory level of representation of the heritage value of the Bulgarian NH and a severe depreciation of the provision of the necessary tourism and recreation information, in comparison to the selected global benchmark. Besides the outline of the most frequent gaps and shortcomings, the results provide managers with suggestions about the development of a “natural heritage” brand for tourism and recreation, which features amplification of site identity and messaging, plus enhancement of its visibility. The conclusions are applicable to a wide variety of geographical contexts and audiences in nature-based destination governance.

This study aims to apply approaches, methods, and indicators from the conceptual framework of ecosystem services valuation to a real world, local level case study. It tests a GIS-based mapping and valuation of ecosystem services model in a typical mountain municipality in Bulgaria. Investigation results address opportunities, challenges and limitations in the practical application of the ecosystem services concept. They include an integrated assessment of the ecosystem services in a specific administrative territorial unit and suggest its Total Economic Value. The introduction of the term "ecosystem services dysergy" should contribute to valuation theory and practice. The study upgrades the currently available knowledge base that supports geospatial planning and sustainable development of the Karlovo Municipality and offers recommendations for improvement of the municipal ecosystem services utilization, which include identification, analysis, and visualization of hotspots and dysergy areas.

This article portrays the results form the first stage of an attempt at landscape planning in the upper watershed of the Arda River in the Western Rhodope Mountain, South Bulgaria. The study applies the concept of multifunctionality of landscape systems focusing on resource evaluation and territorial planning using the natural watershed boundaries. The upper valley of the Arda River is a major national-level resource regarding water and forest resources, including their renewable energy potential. At the same time, high ecological risk (primarily floods and landslides), enhanced by the global climate change, characterizes the Arda watershed. This study uses watershed models to interpret and analyze landscape maps and primary data on ecosystem services. It also analyzes public attitudes regarding the utilization of local natural capital, which are determined by the peripheral situation of the area and the high dependency of the locals on the landscape resources. The investigation proposes lead landscape indicators and functional zoning of the area, which allow for locally adequate and sustainable territorial management, Bu makale, Bulgaristan’nın güneyinde, Rodop Dağı’nın batısındaki Arda nehrinin yukarı havzasında yapılan peyzaj planlamasının ilk evresine ait sonuçları ortaya koymaktır. Çalışma, doğal havza sınırlarını kullanarak bölge planlaması ve çok fonksiyonlu peyzaj sistemleri kavramını uygulayarak kaynak geliştirmeye odaklanmıştır. Arda nehrinin yukarı çığırı, yenilenebilir enerji potansiyelini de içeren, ülkedeki başlıca su ve orman kaynaklarına sahiptir. Aynı zamanda Arda havzası küresel iklim değişikliğinin etkilediği yüksek ekolojik risk (başlıcaları taşkın ve heyelanlar) altındadır. Bu çalışmada peyzaj haritaları ve ekosistem hizmetlerinin temel verilerinin yorumlanması ve analizinde havza modelleri kullanılmıştır. Aynı zamanda burada yaşayan yerel halkın doğal sermayeyi kullanım davranışları da analiz edilmiştir çünkü alanın etrafındaki yakın çevrenin etkisiyle yerel halkın doğal kaynaklara bağımlılığı büyüktür. Araştırma başlıca peyzaj göstergelerini ortaya çıkararak alanın fonksiyonel kuşaklara ayrılmasını önermektedir, bu durum yerel eşitliği ve sürdürülebilir bölgesel yönetimi sağlayacaktır

This study imports the Ecosystem Services concept in the economic valuation of the resources of a typical mountain municipality in Bulgaria. It applies a GIS-based approach and employs a system of methods, which include benefit transfer, market price, and contingent valuation, as well as local survey and statistical data for the following key ecosystem services: timber production, forest/agricultural products, and tourism and recreation. The investigation interprets the CORINE Land Cover (2012) classes as spatial units of identification, analysis, and valuation of selected Ecosystem Services, on which the welfare of local mountain population depends. Its results, among which is a map of the total economic value of a set of ecosystem services in the Municipality of Chepelare, is intended to support sustainable local governance in mountain regions. Key words: ecosystem services valuation, sustainable governance, GIS, mountain regions, Bulgaria.

The application of the philosophy or the management model for sustainable development has two main shortcomings – the condition of the global environment gets worse and the social inequalities deepen. Regardless of the integrity of UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030, the manifestation of the effect of the false demarcation between ecology and development continues. The integrated philosophy for sustainability and development is enriched with new terms, such as natural capital and ecosystem goods and services, while their assessment and evaluation is crucial for the achievement of sustainable development. The habitat, biotope and landscape diversity interpreted in GIS environment through evaluation of ecosystem goods and services in Chepelare Municipality is the main aim of the research, illustrated with maps of the biotopes, habitat types and landscapes. The obtained data through a GIS-based approach for evaluation and assessment of the ecosystem services is of high importance for the well-being of the municipality’s population. The results about the economic value of two main ecosystem services – wild fruits and herbs and genetic resources are comparable with results from other similar studies. An attempt is made for harmonization of information from different scales for examination – land cover classes with habitat types, biotopes and landscapes aiming at the precise evaluation of the interpreted ecosystem goods and services. Keywords: Biodiversity, biotope, habitat type, landscape biodiversity, environmental management, GIS.

Floods are among the most dangerous natural disasters that threaten large territories in Bulgaria. The assessment of flood risk provides valuable information for environmental management. An important part of this assessment is the determination of landscapes flood regulation capacity. The study area is a small basin in the upper valley of the Lom River. The capacities of the landscapes to regulate floods were assessed through investigations of water retention functions of different natural components. Features of vegetation, land use, soil, orohydrography, and relief were considered. Each feature influencing the landscape regulatory functions was given a weight coefficient. To achieve more precise assessment, we combined field methods and remote sensing. The MODIS NDVI 250 m Multi-Temporal Imagery Dataset for the period 2008–2014 and widely accepted indices such as NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index), NDWI (Normalized Difference Water Index), and VCI (Vegetation Condition Index) were also applied. Thematic maps showing the regulating service capacity of each of the investigated components and that of the landscapes were generated, and a final assessment was made. In the study area, the natural landscapes of the Biosphere Reserve “Chuprene” and landscapes with different degrees of anthropogenic load occur as well. This work contributed the comparative characteristics of these two major landscape classes to be performed so that the main factors affecting their surface runoff regulation capacity could be determined.

The purpose of this study is to analyse and assess the potential of selected Bulgarian mountains on the basis of the concepts of natural capital and landscape multifunctionality. These concepts are essential in modern geo-spatial research in the context of the debate on sustainability and its role in avoiding problems of environmental degradation, land use conflicts and natural resources overuse. The Central Balkan and the Western Rhodopes are selected as case studies representative for mountains in Bulgaria. The authors interpret natural capital as a set of potentially possible landscape functions and, thus, study them within the geosystem boundaries of the landscape. The investigation is based on a systemic analysis of the landscape structure and its anthropogenic transformation by integrating the hemeroby index. On this basis, it performs qualitative valuation of ecosystem/landscape services in the mountain areas. Integration of the opinions and perspectives of the local population is an important aspect of the valuation.