UNESCO Summer University was opened in Karlovo

The first day of UNESCO Summer University dedicated to biosphere reserves was filled with many emotions and interesting meetings for the participants from 15 countries around the world. 

The fifth edition of the International initiative was opened on July 22nd in the main hall of the Municipality of Karlovo with welcome notes by the deputy mayor of the Municipality of Karlovo Stoyo Karagenski, the Director of the National Nature Protection Service of the MOEW Miroslav Kalugerov, the Permanent Representation of UNESCO in Bulgaria Hristo Georgiev, Director of Central Balkan National Park Gencho Iliev, the Executive director of the Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation Rumyana Ivanova and prof. Michael Scoullos from the Greek National Committee of Man and the Biosphere Program of UNESCO. All of them greeted the young professionals from around the world who will be studying for a week topics related to the successful development of biosphere reserves.

After a short coffee break, the participants and guests had the opportunity to gain experience from the Head of Science Unit in UNESCO Venice Office Jonathan Baker, who presented the scope and the objectives of the Man and Biosphere Program.

When the official part over the participants moved to Chateau Copsa, where attended atalk from prof. Michael Scoullos, who presented the topic of integrated approaches and methods for sustainable management of biosphere reserves and Filippo Lenzerini who has shared information about interesting projects and partnerships related to the biosphere reserves in Italy and France. One of the initiatives that made the most impression on the participants was the UPVIVIUM Biosfera Gastronomica project, km zero, in which 5 different biosphere reserves in Italy announce a competition for local restaurants using local traditional products from the area.

At the end of the day the participants went on a historic walk through the town of Karlovo.  Municipality of Karlovo was a wonderful host during our Summer University, for which we are extremely grateful. The Deputy Mayor, Mr. Karagenski, personally guided the tour through the old part of Karlovo town and the participants were impressed by his knowledge of history and his attitude towards them. The walk continued to one of the most interesting and beautiful buildings in the Renaissance part of the town of Karlovo Buhalov Han. There some of the participants tasted pink rakia and learned more about the history of the building.

The day ended at "Edno Vreme Restaurant" in Karlovo, where, along with the delicious food, everyone enjoyed the wonderful folklore program, presented by the "Vasil Levski" 1861 Chitalishte from Karlovo town.

Main organiser of UNESCO Summer University is Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation with the support of: the Central Balkan Biosphere Reserve, UNESCO Regional Bureau of Science and Culture in Europe, Ministry of Environment and Water of the Republic of Bulgaria, Mediterranean Information Office for Environment, Culture and Sustainable Development, UNESCO Chair and Network on Sustainable Development Management and Education in the Mediterranean of the University of Athens, Karlovo Municipality, Troyan Municipality, Permanent Representation of UNESCO in Bulgaria, local organic pharms, winery, hotels, which are hosts and sponsors of the events in the region. 

Other partners: Chateau Copsa, Rozino Organic Farm and Gelatto and Latte, Lift Sopot, Hotel Casa Art, Oreshak, Troyan, National Exhibition of Crafts and Arts in Oreshak, “Edinenie” (Unity) project