Tortoises – ensuring a sustainable development

Funded by the NGO Support Program in Bulgaria according to the financial mechanism of UEM 2009-2014. №BG05/878

Partner organization: Gea Elonia Foundation, Bulgaria

Tortoises in Bulgaria suffer continuous pressure, due to social ignorance and several activities that harm the species. The goal of the project was to improve the ecological status of tortoises by settling them in priority areas and by preventing human influence. There have been carried away a large-scale information campaign and activities to reintroduce many animals held in captivity, which has made a significant contribution to the conservation of these endangered species. As a partner, the Gea Elonia Foundation, which is part of an international network of tortoise conservation organizations, which are concerned with the safeguarding of tortoises, provided material assets to the Centre for breeding and rehabilitation of tortoises, an equipped exhibition hall, and tortoise breeding installations. The tortoises, with whom Gea Elonia works, are most often injured; found in an unusual for them environment – for example, in towns or yards; kept as pets, or illegally exhibited and traded. There are still places, where local people collect turtles for consumption. The goal of the project was to contribute to the conservation of these endangered species. Over 500 tortoises, held in a place, different from their natural habitat, were resettled back in population priority areas. According to the project was created a methodology of applying good practices, described in an interactive guide, designed for experts, and interested participants, who project activities that impact the environment. The created visual products and their presentment to the local community have created a public engagement to the problems of the species. A documentary was filmed, to prevent the negative impact that people have on tortoises. The film provides detailed information about the biology and ecology of tortoises, as well as the pursuits of the project. The film “A New Beginning for Tortoises” is available

“A New Beginning for Tortoises”