On January 13-14, 2025, a pivotal meeting was held in Sliven, Bulgaria, bringing together representatives from the judiciary, law enforcement, and environmental organizations for the first time to discuss the groundbreaking return of the Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) to Bulgaria. This initiative is part of the “Bearded Vulture LIFE” project, which aims to restore vulture populations across Bulgaria and the Balkans.
The meeting focused on key topics such as international cooperation and the criminal law aspects of wildlife protection. The presentations sparked lively discussions, engaging a diverse audience and strengthening the commitment to ensuring the successful comeback of Bearded Vultures in Bulgaria.

Despite the harsh winter conditions, the large number of participants showed the strong commitment of those attending. Among them were district and regional prosecutors from Sliven, Gabrovo, and Veliko Tarnovo, as well as representatives from the Wildlife Crimes Sector of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Directors of regional forestry departments and experts from Thracian University also participated, alongside specialists and veterinarians from Green Balkans’ rescue center. The event was further strengthened by the presence of international collaborators, including ecologists and conservation experts.
Key highlights of the meeting
- Restoration efforts: Green Balkans shared their extensive work on vulture restoration, emphasizing achievements, challenges, and planned actions.
- Combating wildlife crimes: Bearded Vulture LIFE Project Manager Ivelin Ivanov addressed the persistent issue of wildlife poisoning, a critical threat to vultures:
“Although using poisons in the wild is a crime under the Penal Code, such cases still occur in Bulgaria. Poisons are ineffective against wolves and other predators, but they pose a serious threat to vultures, whose return is being supported by extensive international programs and significant investments of resources and effort,” he stated.
- International insights: Programmes Manager & European Regional Coordinator Vulture Multi-species Action Plan from Vulture Conservation Foundation Jovan Andevski highlighted successful reintroduction efforts in the Alps and Pyrenees and elaborated on the initiatives to strengthen capacity against wildlife crimes:
“We believe that through joint efforts, we can achieve significant results and prevent attacks on wildlife, which is in the interest of society,” Andevski said.
- Legal and law enforcement measures: Elin Aleksov from the Association of Prosecutors in Bulgaria and Inspector Trifon Boychev from the National Police discussed best practices for investigating and prosecuting environmental crimes, underlining the importance of collaboration.
- Exploring the “Sinite Kamani” Nature Reserve The program’s second day included a visit to the Nature Reserve, the future home of the Bearded Vulture in Bulgaria. Despite snow and adverse conditions, participants were inspired by the reserve’s potential to become a cradle for vulture restoration after 52 years of their absence.
A shared vision for conservation success


This collaborative represents a beacon of hope for Bulgarian biodiversity and underscores the power of interdisciplinary and international cooperation in wildlife conservation. Big thank you to everyone who made this possible!
The Bearded Vulture LIFE Project

The “Bearded Vulture LIFE” project is a comprehensive initiative, aiming to restore the Bearded Vulture and Cinereous Vulture across Bulgaria and the Balkans. With a budget of €5.17 million, co-funded by the European Union’s LIFE Programme, the project commenced in August 2023 and is expected to continue until 2030. Building upon the achievements of its predecessor, “Vultures Back to Life,” it is coordinated by Green Balkans, with five more partner organizations within Bulgaria, including the Fund for Wild Flora and Fauna, Foundation EkoObshtnost, EVN – Elektropradelenie Yug EAD, Severozapadno Darzhavno Predpriyatie – Vratsa, and “Sinite kamani” Nature Park Directorate. Furthermore, the project benefits from international collaboration, including the Vulture Conservation Foundation (VCF), responsible for the translocation and safeguarding of captive-bred birds secured for release. Additionally, the partner Milvus group is responsible for executing conservation efforts in Romania.
