MEdIES was happy to take part in the organisation of yet one more Summer University, this year in  the Central Balkan Biosphere Reserve (BR) in Bulgaria. For one week, from 21 to 28 July 2019, the newly established Central Balkan BR was home to more than 35 young experts, PhD students, and staff of BRs from 15 countries, chosen from 125 applications, from all over the world.

This was the fifth one in a series of Summer Universities that have been established and co-organized by MIO-ECSDE and the UNESCO Venice Office, supported every time by a different BR or a candidate BR. The previous ones were held in Amfissa, Greece (2014), Samothraki Greece (2016), Sardinia, Italy (2017), and Parnon, Greece (2018), focusing on topics of designation and functioning of Biosphere Reserves within the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme of UNESCO.

The 2019 edition of the Summer University focused on the topics of Integrated Management, Sustainable Tourism and BR Promotion. It was co-organised with the Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation. The national and local hosts and supporters include the Ministry of Environment and Water, the National MAB Committee of Bulgaria, the Directory of “Central Balkan” National Park, the Karlovo Municipality, the Troyan Municipality, the National Bulgarian Commission for UNESCO, the Chateau Copsa, Rozino Organic Farm, the National Exhibition of Artistic Crafts and Arts, the village Oreshak, the Hotel Caza Art, and the project “Unity”.

It was an intensive, multidisciplinary and experiential training that aimed to develop the understanding and competences of the participants on the management of Biosphere Reserves as "laboratories" and "catalysts" for Sustainable Development. During the week, in a program combining theoretical sessions, practical work and many visits, the participants were introduced and discussed the future of Biosphere Reserves.

Find in this link an overview, brief report, presentations and documents of the event

View some snapshots of the event below

Ice break session

Official opening at the Karlovo Municipality

Official opening at the Karlovo Municipality

A group photo

Another group photo

Eating together

Paragliding experience

Paragliding experience

Life in the Central Balkan Park

Walking in the Central Balkan Park

Group work session

Closing ceremony at the Troyan Municipality

Closing ceremony at the Troyan Municipality

Informal evaluation Session

Certificates time