The rock formations near Belogradchik must become an European geopark
According to Radoslav Nakov, chief scientist of the Geology institute of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, the media interest in the rock formations near Belogradchik should engage the community to turn the natural phenomenon into a geopark.
The goals of the existing European association for keeping of the geological heritage – “ProGEO” – is to find and preserve such wonders of nature. Another association – of the European geoparks – adapts such sites for tourist access. Over thirty geoparks are members of the association, but Bulgarian ones have yet to join.
In the words of Radoslav Nakov, the rocks of Belogradchik are perfectly suitable to become an European geopark. They fulfil all the requirements to be one. The geopark, unlike nature parks and reserves, has no active restrictions for tourism activities. The status of the rocks of Belogradchik as an European geopark will ease the transformation of the region into an attractive tourism destination.