Law on Biodiversity.

This Law establishes the legal framework for the protection, sustainable use, and restoration of biological diversity within the country. It defines biological diversity as the variety of all living organisms, their communities, habitats, ecosystems, and the processes occurring within them. The law sets out the responsibilities of the state, municipalities, legal entities, and individuals in safeguarding biodiversity, recognizing it as a national asset and a priority for all levels of government and society. Its main objectives include the conservation of representative natural habitats, the protection of endangered, rare, and endemic species, the regulation of the introduction of non-native species, and the preservation of genetic resources both in situ and ex situ.
The law creates the National Ecological Network, which incorporates protected areas and zones, including those part of the European Natura 2000 network. The law details the procedures for designating, managing, and modifying protected zones, emphasizing scientific criteria and public participation. It outlines the development of management plans, the assessment of the compatibility of projects and activities with conservation goals, and the integration of biodiversity considerations into other sectoral policies. Special attention is given to the protection of habitats and species listed in various annexes, with strict prohibitions and regulated use regimes for certain plants, animals, and fungi.
The law also addresses the regulation of trade in endangered species, the prevention and management of invasive alien species, and the protection of ancient and remarkable trees. It establishes administrative structures and procedures for enforcement, monitoring, and public registers, as well as penalties for violations. The law is harmonized with key European Union directives on habitats and birds, ensuring Bulgaria’s compliance with international biodiversity commitments.