The Traveling Plant: Preparatory Logbook

Nora Karalambeva

Bulgarian Flora

Sofia, Bulgaria
Art&Science PhD Researcher, Artist, Cultural Manager

Bulgaria is situated in the eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula. The country has a rich biodiversity, encompassing 542 different plant habitats; 96 of which are endemic, with a further 166 included in the Red Listing. Its 110,994 square kilometers of territory is divided into 20 floristic regions and 14 sub-regions – ranging from coastal areas, lowlands and valleys to hills, mountains and alpine areas. The Bulgarian flora comprises 4,102 vascular species, including 498 Bulgarian and Balkan endemic species and 719 mosses. The plants represent three of the known phytogeographic areas: European deciduous forest area; Eurasian steppe and forest-steppe area; and Mediterranean sclerophyllous forest area.

Unfortunately – despite Bulgaria’s biodiversity, natural reserves and parks, the Red Listings for endangered and extinct species, and Natura 2000 mapped territories – the future of the local ecosystems is unstable. To some extent this problem stems from the fact that the scientific community is underrepresented in the government, and their ecological evaluations and conservational practices are not taken into account. The excessive use of pesticides, frequent water contamination, deforestation, and the growing number of the arable lands, only add to the risks that Bulgarian natural areas are facing at the moment.