Project Name: To preserve biodiversity and nature for our future

Project Acronym: Our Future

Project Number: BGTR0200102

Project Contract: RD-02-29-603/23.06.2025

Financing programme: INTERREG VI-A IPA Bulgaria – Turkey 2021-2027

Programme priority: Integrated development of the cross-border region

Specific objective: Fostering the integrated and inclusive social, economic and environmental local development, culture, natural heritage, sustainable tourism and security, in areas other than urban areas

Partnership:

  • Municipality of Enez, Turkey- Lead Partner
  • Municipality of Tundzha, Bulgaria
  • Yambol Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bulgaria

Duration of the project: 24 months (24.06.2025 – 23.06.2027)

Budget of the project: 1 012 002, 67 EURO

Project aim and Activities: The project aims to make the cross-border region of Enez (Turkey) and Tundzha (Bulgaria) more attractive to tourists while promoting environmentally friendly and sustainable practices. Both areas face common challenges, such as limited tourism infrastructure and low awareness of environmental protection.

To address these shared challenges, the project will implement green, inclusive and sustainable infrastructure alongside targeted educational activities. In Enez (Turkey), environmentally friendly food sales and consumption areas will be created along Altınkum Beach, equipped with wooden kiosks, shaded seating areas, toilets and walkways to improve visitor comfort and accessibility. These areas will be managed by women’s cooperatives and NGOs, offering local homemade food, supporting entrepreneurship and improving cleanliness and eco-tourism appeal.

In both Enez (Turkey) and Bakadzhik (Tundzha, Bulgaria), solar energy systems will be installed to provide clean, renewable power to public spaces, reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Additionally, recycling points will be established in Enez, Turkey and electric mini garbage trucks will help improve waste management and environmental quality, making tourism infrastructure more sustainable.

In Bakadzhik (Tundzha, Bulgaria), the project will expand the existing visitor center owned by Tundzha Municipality by constructing a new conference and training hall. This facility will host environmental and educational events and the surrounding forest park area will be enhanced with eco-friendly lighting, benches and landscaped green zones—creating a welcoming space for both recreation and learning.

Beyond infrastructure, the project includes a strong educational and awareness component. In Enez (Turkey), the “Respect for Nature School” event will bring together students from both countries for interactive, nature-based learning on biodiversity and conservation. In Bakadzhik (Tundzha, Bulgaria), two additional key events will take place in the newly constructed premises: the Eco Green School for students and a Green Team Building event for teachers and professionals, promoting cross-border environmental education and cooperation. These activities will be coordinated by the Yambol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Bulgaria), that will also lead a study on climate neutrality and digitalization of the local economy, develop a bilingual booklet on biodiversity and contribute to the creation of new eco-tourism routes in Bakadzhika ( Tundzha, Bulgaria) that highlight the region’s natural and cultural heritage.

The project will conclude with the international conference “Environmental Education – Bridge to Sustainable Development of Tundzha and Enez” in Yambol (Bulgaria), bringing together stakeholders from both countries to share results and foster future cooperation.

Through these activities, the project aims to raise environmental awareness, promote sustainable tourism and strengthen cross-border collaboration. By combining practical investments with education and capacity building, it not only seeks to attract more visitors to Enez (Turkey) and Tundzha (Bulgaria), but also to enhance tourist satisfaction and local pride—laying the foundation for a greener, more sustainable future for the entire cross-border region.

More info for the project can be found here:

More info for the financing programme INTERREG-IPA Bulgaria-Türkiye 2021-2027 can be found here: https://ipa-bgtr.mrrb.bg/en