New EUROPARC Individual Member: A Dedicated Conservation Expert

EUROPARC is proud to welcome a new individual member to our network! With extensive experience in nature conservation, Protected Area Management, and Natura 2000 sites, our new member – Ventzislav Vassilev – brings invaluable expertise to our shared mission of preserving Europe’s natural heritage.

A career dedicated to conservation

Currently working as a freelancer, Ventzislav Vassilev has a strong background in environmental protection, specializing in mitigation planning for infrastructure projects affecting Protected Areas and natural habitats. From 2010 to 2018, Ventzislav served as the Country Office Director of the Regional Environmental Center (REC) in Bulgaria. Since then, he has contributed to various conservation initiatives in collaboration with organisations such as the European Investment Bank (EIB), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Bulgarian Ministry of Environment.

Key contributions to nature protection

Over the years, Ventzislav has played a crucial role in multiple conservation projects, including:

🌿 Green Infrastructure and Ecological Connectivity Study (2019–2021): Conducted research on ecological networks across Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, and North Macedonia under the EPPA Project.

🦅 Management Plans for Natura 2000 Sites: Led the development of conservation strategies for Special Protection Areas (SPAs) Meshtica and Kocherinovo in Bulgaria.

🌊 LIFE Project “Salt of Life”: Contributed to the conservation of coastal lagoons along the Black Sea coast.

🦆 National Plan for RAMSAR Sites in Bulgaria: Assisted in the development of a strategic framework for the protection of internationally important wetlands.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your professional journey in the field of nature conservation?

My journey in nature conservation began in 1995 when I was a university student. I started as a volunteer and later became a staff member at the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds. During this time, I gained hands-on experience in observing and studying wildlife, developing proposals for new Protected Areas, and working with local communities to promote conservation efforts.

After graduating, I continued my work in nature conservation through a Swiss-funded biodiversity conservation programme, which later evolved into the Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation. From 2010 to 2017, I led the Bulgarian office of the Regional Environmental Centre for Central and Eastern Europe (REC). During this period, our work focused on participatory governance of protected areas and Natura 2000 sites, as well as environmental education and public awareness.

What inspired you to join the EUROPARC Federation, and what are you looking forward to most as a member?

Since the closure of REC’s office in Sofia in 2018, I have worked as a freelance consultant, contributing to various projects and studies related to protected area networks in Southeastern Europe. However, I realised that I miss the dynamic networking and exchange of ideas that only a large international organisation can offer.

Becoming a EUROPARC member provides an opportunity to learn about contemporary approaches to managing protected areas and to explore best practices in nature conservation. It will also enhance the visibility of my projects and facilitate collaboration with other professionals in the field.

What are your key priorities or projects right now, and how do they contribute to the protection or sustainable development of our natural and cultural heritage?

As an International advisor of the Albanian EU4Nature Project, I am responsible to provide an overall technical backstopping support to the project unit, based on leading international experience in the management and protection of Protected Areas and Natura 2000 sites.

My primary focus is on strengthening the capacities of relevant institutions to effectively manage Protected Areas while considering their biodiversity and landscape values. Additionally, the Project supports the integration of Natura 2000 requirements into Albania’s policies, aligning with the country’s EU accession process.

Looking Ahead

With such a wealth of knowledge and dedication, Ventzislav Vassilev will undoubtedly enrich EUROPARC. We are excited to welcome him in our network.