The Natural Potential of Mountains in Bulgaria and Its Sustainable Use - Sustainable Development in Mountain Regions: Southeastern Europe - page 41

Chapter 5
The Natural Potential of Mountains in Bulgaria
and Its Sustainable Use

Marina Yordanova and Zoya Mateeva

Abstract Mountain territories and their inherent various and rich natural conditions
and resources, have always been the subject not only of scientific, but especially of
economic interest. They are a subject of attention also from the legal-normative
point of view, from both national and international aspects, especially regarding the
possibilities for their sustainable development. Their natural potential is determined
as a quantitative expression of the combination of conditions and resources which
are favorable for the all-round activity of society. Their importance for Bulgaria
results not only from their significant areal distribution in relation to the whole
territory - over 40% or even 50% according to the boundaries outlined in inves-
tigations by different authors, but also from their significant natural potential. In
relation to the whole territory various natural resources are predominantly found in
the mountains of Bulgaria, for example: mineral resources (fuel, metal, and non-
metalliferous) - over 80%; water resources - over 80%, as well as 70% of the
storage water capacity with in total 700 large, medium and small dams, and over
70% of the mineral water fields; forest resources - over 70%, as well as two-thirds
of the plants growing in Bulgaria, and also considerable resources of game, wild
fruits, herbs, mushrooms, etc. A significant percentage of demographic settlements
and economic land structures also occur in the mountainous areas of Bulgaria, for
instance: about 30% of the population and over 55% of the settlements (the num-
ber of municipalities in the mountainous regions is over 140, from in total 260 in
Bulgaria); about 65% of the areas for cultivation of tobacco and potatoes; over 85%
of areas under meadow, and over 70% of the pasture grounds in the country, etc.
The evaluation of the natural potential of the mountains is related to the quantita-
tive and qualitative characteristics of the basic natural components (relief&texture,
climate, waters, soils, flora, and fauna), and this evaluation is concerned with two
aspects - resources and conditions. In this respect climatic characteristics usually
represent identification of the conditions of the surroundings but their assessment as
a resource, especially as a renewable one, is becoming more and more important.