On April 14, 2025, the Fund for Wild Flora and Fauna (FWFF) celebrates its 25th anniversary — a quarter of a century dedicated to the conservation of Bulgaria’s unique natural heritage. This is a time not only for celebration, but also for reflection, gratitude, and inspiration for the future.
Founded by a group of young and motivated conservationists in the year 2000, the organization began with small but determined steps toward the protection of endangered species and their habitats, with a focus on the restoration of vultures. Today, 25 years later, the FWFF stands among the leading conservation organizations in Bulgaria, recognized for its effective work, long-term commitment, and tangible results.
Among the association’s greatest achievements is the reintroduction of the Griffon and Cinereous vultures in two regions of Bulgaria. Thanks to the targeted efforts of the team and its partners, these two species—locally or entirely extinct in the country for decades—are now once again nesting in the Kotel Mountain and Kresna regions. The vulture conservation program also includes successful initiatives to reduce human–predator conflict and prevent the use of poisons associated with it, forming a comprehensive strategy for the recovery of scavenger birds.
Over the years, FWFF has also developed numerous field projects aimed at preserving key habitats—micro wetlands, mountain pastures, and forest-pasture complexes. The organization is a pioneer in using its own herds of grazing animals to restore and manage grassland habitats through extensive grazing. Alongside vultures, the reintroduction of the globally endangered European ground squirrel in the Kotel Mountain is one of the success stories linked to the creation of wildlife refuges.
Scientific research and publications, monitoring programs, and engagement with local communities—an integral part of sustainable conservation—complement the organization’s portfolio.
The FWFF team has always sought collaboration—with government institutions, non-governmental organizations, international partners, and, not least, with local people. It is these partnerships that make large-scale and lasting results possible, and the trust built over the years is one of the organization’s most valuable assets.
Today, as the world faces global environmental challenges, FWFF’s work is more relevant and necessary than ever. Twenty-five years of dedicated work are only the beginning. Looking to the future, the organization continues to grow with the ambition to protect, inspire, and restore the connection between people and nature.
