Connecting people and wildlife on the Balkan Green Belt in Greece and Bulgaria

Challenge

For centuries, brown bears roamed freely between Bulgaria and Greece. In 2005, a wildlife overpass — known as the 'Ecoduct of Friendship' — was built to restore their migration route and connect the two countries. However, its effectiveness remained unproven. With roads increasing and habitats shrinking, it was necessary to determine whether this symbol of coexistence was effective.

Objective

The project aimed to assess the effectiveness of the transboundary ecoduct, using camera traps, biosign surveys, and interviews. It sought to document large mammal presence (brown bear, grey wolf, roe deer and wild boar), evaluate habitat connectivity, and engage at least 20 volunteers and 300 locals—promoting coexistence and studying a key wildlife corridor, the ecoduct of Bulgarian-Greek Friendship located at the borders of the two countries, along the Balkan Green Belt.

Approach

• Scientific research was combined with community engagement.
• Field research with camera traps and biosign surveys to detect large mammals
• Interviews with locals to understand human-wildlife coexistence
• Collection and analysis of 15 years of wildlife damage data
• Volunteer involvement in all key activities
• reation of educational and awareness materials for schools and communities

Achieved Results

We confirmed that the ecoduct plays a vital role for the movement of wildlife across the ecoduct of Bulgarian-Greek Friendship located at the borders of the two countries and underscored the area’s conservation value. 

• 11 cameras and 184 biosigns captured key species: They confirmed that the ecoduct is actively used by brown bears, wolves, roe deer, and wild boars, ensuring safe cross-border movement. The findings prove its vital role in maintaining connectivity and reducing habitat fragmentation for wildlife;
• Strengthened local collaboration and awareness: Through 41 interviews and local events, communities engaged directly with researchers, fostering trust, awareness on coexistence, and understanding of the European Green Belt initiative;
• Enhanced research and conservation capacity: The active involvement of 30 volunteers improved large-mammal monitoring and data collection, while also creating a network of informed young ambassadors for wildlife conservation

In total, over 250 students and 500 locals engaged during local events and activities—strengthening knowledge, partnerships, and a shared vision for coexistence. From uncertainty to evidence, the area is now a symbol of coexistence—reconnected, well informed, jointly managed and celebrated.