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Mapping Sustainable Holidays in Bulgaria: Lake Pomorie, its Volunteers and Birds + Download an Award-Winning Guide to Sustainable Activities in Bulgaria!


I handle a prize to volunteer Stefan Ivanov
The design of this magnet for the Pomorie Lake Conservation Brigade and the logo of the Cultural Insights was inspired by the finding of volunteer Stefan Ivanov (in the photo receiving a prize from me) © Tatyana Garkavaya

Ready to explore Bulgaria’s rich natural beauty while making a real difference in environmental conservation? Become part of my project Mapping Sustainable Holidays in Bulgaria, an award-winning initiative dedicated to showcasing how travel and volunteering can come together to create a lasting impact! This post covers one of the key highlights of my project - the Pomorie Lake Conservation Brigade, a long-running initiative aimed at preserving the habitat of sandwich terns and other water birds along the Via Pontica migration route, one of Europe's busiest bird highways.'Mapping Sustainable Holidays in Bulgaria: Combine Volunteering and Holidays!' partly funded by the Bulgarian Fund for Women.



Table of Contents


1 Designing a sustainable future: a personal experience at Pomorie Lake


2 The Pomorie Lake Conservation Brigade: A Tradition of Eco-Friendly Volunteering


3 Birding in Burgas: Discovering Bulgaria’s Natural Wonders


4 Why Volunteer? The Professional Benefits of Eco-Tourism


5 Join Us: A Sustainable Holiday Awaits



Designing a sustainable future: a personal experience at Pomorie Lake


I am on my way to volunteer work
I am on my way to the volunteer activities on Pomorie Lake, 2021 © Galinula Meshkova

With this blog post, I continue an environmental series of stories about eco-friendly Bulgarian projects.


As a keen birdwatcher who lives in the area, I’ve been fortunate to participate in the Pomorie Lake Conservation Brigade by Green Balkans three times, always getting memorable and enriching experiences.


That's why I decided to make the brigade part of my project titled Mapping Sustainable Holidays in Bulgaria: Combine Volunteering and Holidays! funded by the Bulgarian Fund for Women, which I initiated to raise awareness of eco-friendly travel.


A chain of volunteers working on an island
The legendary volunteer chain of the Pomorie Lake Conservation Brigade - 2021. The main feature of the project © Galinula Meshkova

In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Pomorie Lake Conservation Brigade in 2021, I designed a commemorative magnet and organized a communication workshop to strengthen the volunteer network.


During these workshops, volunteers not only gained valuable insights into environmental advocacy but also learned how to leverage their social media presence to amplify the Brigade’s mission.


The result?


A selfie of Anelia Pavlova
A selfie of Anelia Pavlova by Green Balkans during my presentation at the Pomorie Lake Conservation Brigade © Anelia Pavlova

Over 500 people reached across Bulgaria, Italy, Hungary, Turkey, and Ukraine through a social media campaign focused on the hashtag #рибарка2021, which was inspired by the symbol of Pomorie Lake—the sandwich tern.


I particularly appreciate the privilege of working with talented volunteers to create commemorative items, like the anniversary magnet for the Brigade.


It represents a man launching a kite, —an idea originally conceived by veteran volunteer Stefan Ivanov.


i am presenting the design of the magnet
I am presenting the design of the magnet to the volunteers of the Pomorie Lake Conservation Brigade - 2021 © Tatyana Garkavaya

Stefan’s last year's discovery of a discarded kite during a cleanup activity sparked the idea to adopt it as the Brigade’s unofficial symbol. Read the complete story in my previous blog post about the Pomorie Lake Brigade.


This emblem now serves as a reminder of how small actions can lead to powerful change, a message that’s reflected in the logo of my blog and the branding of this project.


the design of the magnet
The design of the magnet and the photo of volunteer Stefan Ivanov that inspired the idea with the magnet © Tatyana Garkavaya

My award-winning book Cultural Insights into Conservation Volunteer Bird Watching Holidays in Bulgaria also embodies this philosophy. Download it at the end of the article and explore authentic travel ideas across Bulgaria!


The collaborative manual, which is the culmination of a two-year ethnographic study across various Bulgarian regions, highlights over ten birding conservation projects that engage volunteers in both environmental education and active conservation.


Providing a comprehensive look at sustainable holidays in Bulgaria, the book offers insights into the volunteer opportunities, birdwatching tours, and conservation efforts that make these vacations truly special.


The Pomorie Lake Conservation Brigade: A Tradition of Eco-Friendly Volunteering


A group of volunteers with buckets
The Pomorie Lake Conservation Brigade - 2021 © Green Balkans

The Pomorie Lake Conservation Brigade (1995), operated by Green Balkans for over 25 years, is one of Bulgaria’s most prestigious environmental initiatives, dedicated to protecting and restoring the habitat of migratory water birds.


Located on the Via Pontica migration route, Pomorie Lake is an important stopover for birds traveling between Europe and Africa.


This year's Pomorie Lake Conservation Brigade-2021 was organised in the framework of the project LIFE19 NAT/BG/000804 protection of the Pomorie Lagoon funded by the EU.


the great knot
The artificial island re-created every year by the Pomorie Lake Conservation Brigade © Nikolay Kolev

The Brigade’s primary focus is the restoration of the sandwich tern population, a gull-like bird that nests in colonies on the lake.


Volunteers participate in habitat restoration projects, including the construction of artificial islands to provide safe nesting grounds.


A flock of sandwich terns
The colony of sandwich terns on Pomorie Lake © Green Balkans

It’s a hands-on experience that allows nature lovers to contribute directly to bird conservation while learning from experts in the field.


The beauty of these wildlife holidays in Bulgaria is that they offer much more than just volunteer work.


Volunteers engage in informative lectures, group activities, and birdwatching tours in Bulgaria, where they get the chance to witness some of Europe’s most fascinating bird species in their natural habitats.


This is where birdwatching tours in Bulgaria truly come to life, offering a unique, immersive experience that appeals to birders, conservationists, and nature lovers alike.


Birding in Burgas: Discovering Bulgaria’s Natural Wonders


great crested grebe
Great crested grebes are some of the colourful birds you can observe by Pomorie Lake © Green Balkans

The Pomorie Lake Conservation Brigade is not only about hands-on conservation but also about celebrating an extraordinary birdlife of the Burgas region.


You can spot there flamingos, swans, different ducks and geese.


The lake belongs to the group of Burgas Lakes and is a paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts. You'll always learn something new there.


A group of volunteers with a flag of Natura 2000
Nikolay Kolev, a known eco-activist who help Bulgarian ecological organizations with his photos and records of different species © Tatyana Garkavaya

During a recent working session, we were thrilled to know about a great knot, a species previously unrecorded in Bulgaria.


This discovery, captured by volunteer and Bulgarian nature activist Nikolay Kolev, sparked excitement within the Bulgarian birding community and underscored the importance of ongoing conservation efforts.


For those interested in birding in Burgas, there’s no shortage of opportunities to explore its diverse ecosystems.


the great knot
The great knot © Nikolay Kolev

From Pomorie Lake’s migratory bird colonies to nearby wetlands and nature reserves, the region offers a wealth of biodiversity.


And when combined with a volunteering experience, it becomes the perfect destination for anyone seeking a more meaningful way to experience nature.


Some regular participants of the Pomorie Lake Conservation Brigade wisely combine their holidays with participating in a similar project by Atanasovsko Lake.


You can learn about that the Atanasovsko Lake Camp from my other article.


Why Volunteer? The Professional Benefits of Eco-Tourism


A group of volunteers collecting litter
A group of volunteers collecting litter around Pomorie Lake © Tatyana Garkavaya

Participating in eco-friendly volunteering activities like the Pomorie Lake Conservation Brigade offers professional and personal growth.


Volunteers develop valuable skills in communication, project management, and teamwork, all while contributing to meaningful environmental change.


These experiences are not only enriching but also serve as an excellent way to build a resume, especially for those interested in careers in conservation, environmental science, and sustainable tourism.


Join Us: A Sustainable Holiday Awaits


A group of volunteers with a flag of Natura 2000
Pomorie Lake Conservation Brigade: An annual tradition to gather at Pomorie Lake © Green Balkans

If you’re looking to combine birdwatching, wildlife conservation, and volunteering, I invite you to join the next edition of the Pomorie Lake Conservation Brigade.


Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or a first-time volunteer, there’s a place for you in this dynamic community.


And with the help of my award-winning guide to sustainable activities in Bulgaria, you’ll have all the information you need to plan your ideal eco-friendly vacation.


To get started, download my free award-winning guide to sustainable holidays in Bulgaria below. It includes details on how to sign up for birdwatching tours, volunteer opportunities, and other conservation-focused activities throughout the country.



Explore Bulgaria’s most beautiful and ecologically significant regions while helping to protect the habitats of migratory birds. It’s the perfect way to make a difference, enjoy the great outdoors, and leave a lasting legacy.


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