In this episode of The Road to Green, Euronews explores the revival of the bearded vulture in the Bulgarian mountains, as reporter Cyril Fourneris travels to the Kotel region of the country with Emilian Stoynov from the Fund for Wild Flora & Fauna. 

Here, Griffon and Cinereous vultures have been successfully reintroduced, showcasing the power of collaboration among environmentalists, hunters, and farmers.  

Thanks to dedicated reintroduction efforts and legal protections, such as through the EU's Birds Directive, Europe stands out as one of the few places where vulture populations are on the rise.

The EU's support through projects like LIFE has been crucial in these efforts, enhancing habitats and reintroducing species, such as the European ground squirrel. 

Later on in the episode, Euronews meets local partners who are reviving traditional practices, such as transhumance, to support these magnificent birds. 

However, challenges remain, with illegal poisoning posing the greatest threat to vulture conservation. The LIFE BalkanDetox project combats this by promoting alternative solutions and gathering crucial data. 

The episode crescendos with the reintroduction of one of Europe's rarest birds - the bearded vulture - a testament to the profound impact that conservation efforts can have, demonstrating how collaboration and innovation can lead to the return of these majestic giants to their natural home.

Watch on Euronews here

Watch previous episodes from 'The Road to Green'

Disclaimer

DG ENV co-finances the production of the Road to Green, while Euronews retain full editorial independence. Views and opinions expressed in the programme are solely those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the European Commission or any other entities.