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Mountain regions in Bulgaria are often less economically developed compared to urban areas. Key economic
activities include:

● Agriculture: Traditional farming, livestock breeding, and forestry remain important for local
livelihoods, though they are often characterized by small-scale operations and lower productivity.
● Tourism: Mountain tourism is a growing sector, with activities such as hiking, skiing, and ecotourism
becoming increasingly popular. This has provided new economic opportunities but also presents
challenges related to sustainable development and infrastructure.

There are significant efforts to conserve the natural and cultural heritage of Bulgaria's mountainous areas.
Protected areas, such as national parks and nature reserves, have been established to preserve biodiversity
and landscapes. Initiatives to promote sustainable tourism, organic farming, and reforestation are also
underway, supported by both governmental and non-governmental organizations.

POLAND

1. Literature Review

Environmental and Ecological Significance

The Carpathian Mountains form a crucial ecological corridor in Central and Eastern Europe, spanning
approximately 1,500 km across seven countries. Covering about 209,000 km², this mountain range is a
biodiversity hotspot, featuring some of Europe's last pristine forests and numerous endemic species. The
region's diverse ecosystems support a wide array of wildlife, including iconic species such as wolves, brown
bears, lynx, chamois, and European bison. The Carpathians' varied habitats, from montane forests to
meadows and raised bogs, contribute significantly to its ecological importance.

Socio-Economic Landscape
The Carpathian region is home to around 17 million people, representing a diverse tapestry of cultures and
nationalities. Traditional land management practices, such as mountain pasturing and hay meadow
maintenance, have shaped the area's socio-economic fabric for centuries. However, the region faces
contemporary challenges, including land abandonment, habitat transformation, and climate change impacts.
These issues, compounded by modern agricultural methods and infrastructure development, pose threats to
both traditional ways of life and the natural environment.

Policy Framework and Regulations

The Carpathian Convention serves as a pivotal cooperative framework for countries in the region, focusing
on environmental protection and sustainable development. This transnational agreement facilitates
collaborative efforts to address ecological and socio-economic challenges, with a particular emphasis on
preserving biodiversity and cultural heritage. Complementing this, various EU-funded initiatives like
CARPATCLIM and CarpathCC aim to standardize climate data, evaluate vulnerabilities, and develop
adaptation strategies to combat climate change effects in the region.

Ongoing Conservation and Sustainability Initiatives

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect
those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA
can be held responsible for them.