Hike on the iconic Volcan Bridge

Background & Location

On 21 September, the European Green Belt Days were celebration with a "Volcanic Friendship Bridge Hike" in Bulgaria. Members of the Edirne Nature Sports Club (EDOSK) from Turkey also joined the hike, bringing participants from Turkey and Bulgaria together amidst the stunning nature of the Strandja Mountains. The walk to the Volcan Bridge at the European Green Belt, a natural border between Turkey and Bulgaria over the Rezve River, gave participants the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the region. To reach the bridge, special permission was obtained to pass behind newly erected border fences designed to prevent migrant crossings. The Volcano Bridge, symbolising the absence of borders in nature, peace and cooperation, underlined the importance of the European Green Belt network and the value of such unifying celebrations.

Objective

The main objective of the celebration was to promote the European Green Belt, emphasize the importance of peace and communication in the region, and raise awareness about the necessity of preserving the region’s biodiversity. The aim was to convey the value of cross-border nature conservation efforts and collaboration and the importance of protecting ecosystems. This event also aimed to strengthen nature-based friendship and cooperation between Turkey and Bulgaria, symbolizing the unifying power of the European Green Belt.

Approach & Results 

To achieve these goals, a 15 km-long trek was organised to the historical and cultural heritage site of the Volcanic Bridge in the Istranca Mountains. Participants had the opportunity to observe the region's unique flora and fauna, while contributing to the preservation of its cultural heritage. Traditional food packs made from local produce were distributed to the participants. The most special moment of the trek was when the teams from Bulgaria and Turkey met at the Volcano Bridge and immortalised the moment with commemorative photographs. Over 60 nature lovers experienced the importance of protecting the European Green Belt and the region's ecosystems. The celebration emphasised the unifying power of nature, the need for cross-border friendships and the global spread of conservation efforts. In addition, water bottles and buffs with the European Green Belt logo were distributed among the participants to make the day memorable.

This celebration also served as a model to stimulate ecotourism in the region. It also demonstrated the importance of organising similar events on the Turkish side. Although the nature walks could not be held in Turkey for security reasons, the joint walk underlined the importance of such initiatives for future decision-makers.

Photo gallery of the European Green Belt Days celebration