Mayor Pencho Milkov to European foresters: We are ready to support initiatives for sustainable management of forest resources

Thursday, 11 September 2025

Over 120 forestry specialists arrived in Ruse to participate in the 21st Congress of the Union of European Foresters. The international forum, which includes representatives from 12 countries, began today in the Siemens Hall at the University of Ruse. The accompanying program of the congress also includes a Scientific and Practical Conference on the topic “Ludogorie and Dobrudzha – Challenges for the Conservation of Biodiversity in the Face of Climate Change”.

Mayor Pencho Milkov welcomed the guests during the official opening of the congress and emphasized that holding such a prestigious event in Ruse emphasizes the city’s position as a center for international dialogue on environmental and scientific issues. “I am happy that you have chosen our region to organize a scientific conference dedicated to Ludogorie and Dobrudzha. The two regions have unique biodiversity and natural wealth that require special attention and care. As the mayor of a city located in the heart of this region, together with my team, we are ready to support all initiatives aimed at sustainable management of forest resources and nature conservation. We rely on your scientific experience to find solutions that will guarantee the future of our forests and natural values. We are ready to assist in specific nature conservation initiatives, to participate in joint projects for sustainable forest management and to provide the necessary administrative support in environmental protection activities,” said Milkov.

As a sign of gratitude for the active work to preserve the forest wealth of the region, the mayor presented a congratulatory address and an honorary plaque to Prof. Dr. Ivan Paligorov, Chairman of the Union of Foresters in Bulgaria, who is also the organizer of the forum.

Among the official guests are Eng. Stoyan Toshev - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food, Tomas Markievicz - President of the Union of European Foresters (UEF), Yavor Gechev - Advisor to the President of the Republic of Bulgaria Rumen Radev, Assen Markov - Executive Director of the Executive Forestry Agency, Corresponding Member Prof. Dr. Georgi Georgiev - Director of the Institute of Forestry at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, etc.

In conversations with them, the mayor discussed the dynamics of climate change and the need for a rapid response by scientists, the state and the executive branch in order to predict and prevent negative consequences on tree species and to find new approaches for the development and protection of forests in Bulgaria.

Experts made presentations on key issues for forestry in this region. The event, which continues until September 14, is organized by the Union of Foresters in Bulgaria with the assistance of the Municipality of Ruse, the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev" and other institutions.

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