A final meeting of the “Lesser Kestrel Conservation” project (LIFE 19/NAT/BG/001017) was held in the village of Levka in Sakar. The project is funded by the European Union’s LIFE Programme and implemented by Green Balkans – Stara Zagora. The event brought together representatives of the Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water – Haskovo, the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency, the Municipality of Svilengrad, the Historical Museum – Svilengrad, local partners, and non-governmental organisations.
The meeting focused on the results achieved through the project and on sustainable practices that can continue to support the conservation of the Lesser Kestrel and the valuable agricultural areas that form an important part of its habitat.
Agriculture and Nature Conservation – Partners, Not Opposites
One of the project's important outcomes is the “Guide to Good Practices for Farmers – Guidelines for Good Agricultural Practices.” The guide is designed as a practical tool for farmers who want to develop their agricultural activities while also contributing to the conservation of biodiversity.
The guide provides practical recommendations for agricultural practices that support the conservation of the Lesser Kestrel and a range of other species dependent on agricultural habitats. Applying these nature-friendly approaches contributes not only to biodiversity conservation, but also to healthier, cleaner and higher-quality agricultural produce – a benefit both for nature and for all of us.
At the heart of the guide is an important message: sustainable agriculture and nature conservation can go hand in hand when good practices are adapted to local conditions and applied with an understanding of the needs of both people and nature.
Agricultural areas are particularly important for the Lesser Kestrel, as they provide suitable hunting grounds and access to food resources. This is why cooperation with farmers and local communities is essential for the species’ long-term conservation.
Surveying Agricultural Areas in Sakar
As part of the project, agricultural areas were surveyed to assess their importance as habitats for the Lesser Kestrel. This work was carried out in partnership with the local association “Sakar Nature Park” to gain a better understanding of the importance of the agricultural landscape for the species and identify opportunities for the implementation of nature-friendly farming practices.
Local partnerships are particularly valuable because successful nature conservation relies not only on expert knowledge, but also on a thorough understanding of the landscape, local farming practices and the needs of the people who live and work in the area.
From Project Results to Long-Term Action
The final meeting demonstrated that the results of a nature conservation project do not end when the project itself comes to a close. They remain as knowledge, partnerships, and practical tools that can continue to be used in the future.
Among these, the Guide for Farmers has a particularly important role to play, serving as a bridge between conservation expertise and the everyday work of farmers. The application of good agricultural practices can have a positive impact not only on the Lesser Kestrel, but also on the overall health of agricultural ecosystems and biodiversity in the Sakar region.
The “Lesser Kestrel Conservation” project leaves behind not only concrete activities and results, but also a model for cooperation between institutions, nature conservation organisations, local communities and farmers.
Protecting one of Bulgaria’s rarest birds of prey begins with protecting the places where it lives, hunts and breeds – and with the people who share this landscape with it.
The meeting focused on the results achieved through the project and on sustainable practices that can continue to support the conservation of the Lesser Kestrel and the valuable agricultural areas that form an important part of its habitat.
Agriculture and Nature Conservation – Partners, Not Opposites
One of the project's important outcomes is the “Guide to Good Practices for Farmers – Guidelines for Good Agricultural Practices.” The guide is designed as a practical tool for farmers who want to develop their agricultural activities while also contributing to the conservation of biodiversity.
The guide provides practical recommendations for agricultural practices that support the conservation of the Lesser Kestrel and a range of other species dependent on agricultural habitats. Applying these nature-friendly approaches contributes not only to biodiversity conservation, but also to healthier, cleaner and higher-quality agricultural produce – a benefit both for nature and for all of us.
At the heart of the guide is an important message: sustainable agriculture and nature conservation can go hand in hand when good practices are adapted to local conditions and applied with an understanding of the needs of both people and nature.
Agricultural areas are particularly important for the Lesser Kestrel, as they provide suitable hunting grounds and access to food resources. This is why cooperation with farmers and local communities is essential for the species’ long-term conservation.
Surveying Agricultural Areas in Sakar
As part of the project, agricultural areas were surveyed to assess their importance as habitats for the Lesser Kestrel. This work was carried out in partnership with the local association “Sakar Nature Park” to gain a better understanding of the importance of the agricultural landscape for the species and identify opportunities for the implementation of nature-friendly farming practices.
Local partnerships are particularly valuable because successful nature conservation relies not only on expert knowledge, but also on a thorough understanding of the landscape, local farming practices and the needs of the people who live and work in the area.
From Project Results to Long-Term Action
The final meeting demonstrated that the results of a nature conservation project do not end when the project itself comes to a close. They remain as knowledge, partnerships, and practical tools that can continue to be used in the future.
Among these, the Guide for Farmers has a particularly important role to play, serving as a bridge between conservation expertise and the everyday work of farmers. The application of good agricultural practices can have a positive impact not only on the Lesser Kestrel, but also on the overall health of agricultural ecosystems and biodiversity in the Sakar region.
The “Lesser Kestrel Conservation” project leaves behind not only concrete activities and results, but also a model for cooperation between institutions, nature conservation organisations, local communities and farmers.
Protecting one of Bulgaria’s rarest birds of prey begins with protecting the places where it lives, hunts and breeds – and with the people who share this landscape with it.
