National program for the protection, sustainable use and restoration of soil functions (2020 – 2030).

The national program for conservation, sustainable use and restoration of soil functions (2020-2030) is developed on the basis of Art. 24. paragraph 1 of the Law on Soils and on Art. 77 of the Environmental Protection Act. It covers a 10-year implementation period and includes a five-year action plan. The goal of the National Program is the protection of soil resources and their sustainable use, as well as the implementation of good practices to prevent soil damage. The National Program (2020-2030) is a program document with defined goals, priorities and measures for the practical application of the state policy for the protection of soil resources at the national, regional and local level. The soil protection policy in Bulgaria is based on the following principles: ecosystem and integrated approach; sustainable use of soils; preventive control to prevent or limit damage to soils and their functions; implementation of good practices in the use of soils; the polluter pays for the damages caused; awareness of the public about the ecological and economic benefits of soil protection from damage and the measures for their protection. Basic criteria for determining the priorities in the National Conservation Program, sustainable use and restoration of soils are: - Sustainable use of soils as a natural resource. - Conservation and improvement of soil fertility. - Reduction of the harmful consequences on soils caused by natural processes and phenomena, and anthropogenic factors. - Prevention and reduction of risk to human health and protection of other components of the environment. - Compliance with the principles of sustainable development, including the principles of organic farming. - Restoration of disturbed soil functions. - Obligations assumed by the state under international acts relating to soils. Basis and approach for development of the National Program: In the development of the National Program for Conservation, Sustainable Use and Restoration of Soil Functions (2019-2028), in addition to legal requirements, a number of European and national documents were taken into account, including Thematic Soil Strategy (COM (2006) 231). - Proposal for a Soil Framework Directive (COM(2006) 232). - Roadmap for efficient use of resources in Europe. - Methodology for strategic planning in the Republic of Bulgaria, April 2010, Council for Administrative Reform. The approach to developing the National Program is consistent with the requirement that such a document be accessible to non-specialists and the general public.
The priorities in the field of soil protection for the program period 2014-2020 at the EU level are defined in the 7th Environmental Action Program (EPA1) and in the Roadmap for the efficient use of resources and are closely related to the three defined priorities areas: protecting nature and improving environmental sustainability, promoting resource-efficient low-carbon growth and reducing threats to human health and well-being related to pollution, chemicals and the impact of climate change.