Successfull projects

Sterna’s task was to support “Sinite Kamani” Nature Park Directorate in the efforts made for the restoration and conservation of the biological diversity in the territory of “Sinite Kamani” Nature Park, as well as for the planning of conservation measures needed to preserve both tortoise species found within the park’s territory – Greek tortoise (Testudo graeca) и Hermann's tortoise (Eurotestudo hermanni), under project No 5103020-15-658 “Habitat restoration and biodiversity conservation in Sinite Kamani Nature Park“, funded by OP “Environment” 2007-2014, axis 3 – Conservation of biological diversity.
Our team implemented the following activities:

• On-site gathering of field data on the distribution of the two tortoise species within the territory of “Sinite Kamani” Nature Park;
• Questionnaire-based gathering of data on the distribution of Testudo graeca and Eurotestudo hermanni within the territory of “Sinite Kamani” Nature Park;
• Studying the impact of terrestrial predators (wild boars, jackals, foxes, feral dogs) on the populations of both tortoise species within the territory of “Sinite Kamani” Nature Park;
• Preparing a GIS data base as a result of the field studies and the questionnaire surveys on both tortoise species - Testudo graeca and Eurotestudo hermanni;
• Releasing tortoises, illegally kept by citizens, back into the wild;
• Training the staff of the Park and the foresters in charge of the relevant territories with regard to the enforcement of direct conservation and scientific measures to preserve the tortoises;
• Developing and applying educational programs in 20 schools in the town of Sliven and the nearby villages as a major conservation method for protection of tortoises.