The project will aim to foster better conditions for development of farmers and local businesses by attaining higher prices for their biological products and services through improved quality and marketing. Other objectives will be to increase revenue by at least 15% and build up more support from the civil society to ensure efficient, long-term and sustainable use of natural resources, Boyanova said.
The project, which will span four years, brings together four Swiss and seven Bulgarian partners, including the Ministry of Agriculture and Food in nine Natura 2000 network zones in western and central Stara Planina mountain.
The project funding of over BGN 7 700 000 is provided by the Bulgarian-Swiss Cooperation Programme. The Bulgarian partners contribute BGN 950 000 of the total cost.