The EU intends to extend the scope of the protected natural network inside the Natura 2000, including an additional 769 places with total area 95.522 km2, announced “Euroalert”.

The largest parts of the new protected zones are in the countries that joined the EU most recently – Bulgaria and Romania. The new territories will protect rare flora and fauna near the Black Sea coast.

252 zones in Bulgaria will be added to Natura 2000. The mountain Pirin will be among them; it’s slopes are home to rare plants like the Pirin poppy (Papaver pirinica) and the Gentiana lutea.