Officials in Sofia presented three projects under the Swiss-Bulgarian cooperation programme: better air monitoring, disposal of old pesticides, and renovation of sites in Rila National Park. Together they have a budget of about 62.68m Swiss francs.
The environment ministry said earlier today that the event would start at 9:00 at the Grand Hotel Sofia. The hosts were environment minister Rositsa Karamfilova-Blagova and Swiss ambassador Pierre Hagmann.
Earlier on this story: Three environment projects open under Swiss-Bulgarian programme
The money comes from the Second Swiss Contribution to Bulgaria. Up to 45m francs comes from Switzerland, and Bulgaria adds about 17.68m francs in co-funding.
The "ModAIRn" project will upgrade Bulgaria's national system for monitoring air quality. The equipment will be replaced, and air data will be easier to get and more up to date.
"PEST" covers monitoring, control and safe disposal of old pesticides. The remaining stocks will be destroyed for good, without harm to nature. Tighter checks should stop dangerous chemicals from piling up again.
Under "ProPark", the Panitsite visitor centre, the Makedonia mountain hut and the Sarigyol complex in Rila National Park will be renovated. The aim is buildings that save energy and resources, give visitors better conditions and help protect nature.
"The real value of an investment shows in the change it leaves behind," minister Karamfilova said. She said the projects aim to help people and nature: better information on air quality, less risk from dangerous substances, and conditions for visitors that help preserve Bulgaria's nature.
"We believe this support will become a lasting benefit for people and nature," she added. The minister said the programme is an example of cooperation in which the sides exchange knowledge, expert experience and good practice.
Ambassador Hagmann said the projects help improve people's lives. He said Switzerland shares its experience in protecting nature and in development, and that Bulgaria's nature must be protected with measures that work.
Pietro Lazzeri, head of the Economic Cooperation and Development division at Switzerland's State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), said the joint initiative targets specific, urgent environmental problems that do not affect Bulgaria alone.