Burgas, Bulgaria
Burgas is the fourth largest city in Bulgaria, located on the Black Sea coast. With its unique location, nestled between three lakes and the Black Sea, nearly 43% of the city’s territory is part of NATURA 2000 and lies along one of the main migratory paths of European migrant birds.
Despite the presence of vast wetlands, recent years have seen climate-related changes – rising temperatures and low summer precipitation – leading to persistent heat and extended droughts. These conditions set the scene for longer and more active wildfires. The peripheral neighbourhoods and villages of the city are particularly vulnerable. In 2023, 6,000 residents were exposed to danger due to a wildfire – one of the key challenges the Med-IREN project seeks to address by restoring ecosystems and enhancing citizens’ well-being.
Nature-based Solutions
Establishing fire lines
Removal of flammable vegetation, soil treatment, and controlled burning will be applied to create a natural barrier to limit the spread of wildfires in areas prone to such climate-related risks.
Land clearing
Removing dry grass, shrubs, and trees will enhance wildfire prevention in post-fire areas and contribute to the rehabilitation and restoration of the soil.
Planting fire-resistant plants
Appropriate fire-resistant deciduous vegetation will be introduced in fire-prone areas of the city territories, in line with a pre-developed afforestation plan.
Med-IREN Benefits
Protection of local community, businesses, and public spaces
Resilient telecommunications networks
Safe energy supply
Climate Resilience Policies
The main policies related to climate action in Burgas are the following: