Session:
Biodiversity conservation: preventing flora and fauna from extinction
Abstract:
“The Race against Extinction: Protecting Flora and Fauna before it’s too late”.
Tatyana Bileva & Gradimir Gradev
Biodiversity encompasses the multitude of living organisms on Earth and the ecological interactions that sustain ecosystem functioning. Despite its fundamental role in supporting human well-being, biodiversity is rapidly declining. Europe has a rich diversity of wild plant and animal species, including numerous endemic species.
Bulgaria ranks among the top five countries in Europe for biodiversity. Although small in area, the country’s territory includes parts of 3 biogeographical regions: Alpine, Black Sea, and Continental. The diverse relief, geology, specific microclimatic conditions, and millennia of human activity determine the rich diversity of species, communities, and natural habitats, a large part of which is of conservation importance. Here, we will illustrate through examples the need to protect nature.
In Bulgaria, trends in the restoration of species and populations in areas where they have disappeared align with modern practices, and several examples of successfully restored rare bird species can be cited. Emblematic examples include the restoration of nesting sites for the Lesser Kestrel, the Saker Falcon, and the Cinereous Vulture.
In the Bulgarian Flora, Strandzhanski bilkov chay (Sideritis syriaca) is a protected species listed in the Red Book volume 1, as “critically endangered”.
Ensuring resilient and healthy ecosystems is essential for maintaining the ecological foundations of Europe’s future.
About Prof. Bileva
Born in the southern Bulgarian city of Plovdiv in 1971, Tatyana Bileva is an Associate Professor of Ecology at the Agricultural University. After completing her higher education in Biology at Plovdiv University Paisii Hilendarski in 1995, she began working as an assistant professor at the Agricultural University. She holds a PhD in Zoology. A specialist in Ecology and Environmental protection, Agroecology, biodiversity, and species conservation, she has published over 70 scientific papers and 2 books. Tatyana Bileva has been Head of the Department of Agroecology since 2024. Associate Professor Tatyana Bileva has teaching and research activities in the field of Natural Sciences, biodiversity, environmental conflicts, ecosystem services, and sustainable management. She has experience in Operational Management and working on local and international projects.