Tree Plantations Bulgaria
Bulgaria is located in South-Eastern Europe and has ideal climatic and economic conditions for tree planting. The climate is favourable for fast-growing tree species for quality timber such as acacia, cherry, walnut, cedar and other. One of the main objectives our project is to meet the market demand for high quality wood in Europe. Currently, European countries import most of their wood products from Asian countries. As a result, delivery times are longer, transport costs are higher and quality control is weaker.
The demand for quick access to quality wood products at competitive prices is constantly growing in Europe. As a member of the European Union, Bulgaria is located near all European markets and already meets the necessary product quality standards. Therefore, this creates favorable economic conditions for supplying wood products.
At the same time, we make great efforts to preserve the ecological value of the surrounding nature, and accomplish this through carefully planting and cultivating trees according to European standards.
In 2018, we leased nearly 930 ha of land and plantations on which we planted white Acacia, White mulberry, Wild cherry, Black walnut, Atlas and Himalayan cedar. For the purpose of the project we acquired a 20-hectare nursery.
SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
Using former agricultural and/or wastelands, we manage and maintain them in excellent agro-biological conditions, creating protected areas in them that will complement natural eco-cycles, as well as preserve the authentic biodiversity of the natural landscape.
We locate our plantations in rural areas, where unemployment is significantly high, or work is mostly seasonal. Additionally, we try to provide local residents with year-round employment, offering them good working conditions and professional training.
We are confident that building long-term prospects in rural areas and training employees will help increase efficiency as well as the workers’ wellbeing.
Municipal and private property rental policies for renting in low-income municipalities have a positive impact on local communities. This not only provides jobs, but also encourages activities such as beekeeping, hunting, the gathering of mushrooms, fruit, and nuts, and even eco-tourism. Bulgaria’s national legislation carefully monitors and regulates the conservation of biodiversity which further benefits the local communities in which we operate.
With proper and sustainable management, tree plantations can contribute to carbon sequestration. At a regional level they contribute to biodiversity conservation. The microclimate of tree plantations suppresses extreme temperatures, reduces air velocity and protects soil from erosion.