This project aims to reduce pressure on biodiversity and natural resources in the Balkan Green Belt (BGB) and European Green Belt (EGB) by promoting circular economy (CE) practices in the Stara Planina area. Through education, capacity building, and networking, it introduced a sustainable CE model for small tourist villages. Residents, tourism households, and service providers adopted mindful consumption and reuse of household and tourist-generated waste. Local authorities and public utilities received tools and training to continue CE efforts. The project also fostered strong cooperation and created an active network of circular communities along the Green Belt corridor.
Through successful collaboration with local communities, tourism service providers (TSPs), public utility companies (PUCs), and municipal authorities, the project has contributed to establishing sustainable habits, waste reduction infrastructure, and enhanced cooperation across the region.
Project aimed to alleviate environmental pressures on the BGB/EGB through the introduction of CE practices and the development of circular communities.
Specifically, project created and promoted a sustainable circular economy model tailored for small tourism-based villages in Stara Planina. This involved building cooperation among local actors and encouraging mindful consumption by repurposing household and tourist waste into the circular economy.
This project has laid the groundwork for a sustainable future in the Stara Planina region, demonstrating how local-level circular economy initiatives can reduce environmental pressure while enhancing cooperation and awareness across sectors.
Beyond infrastructure and training, the project cultivated a culture of sustainability, aligning with broader goals of the European Green Belt initiative. The integration of circular behaviors—such as waste sorting, composting, and responsible consumption—will continue to shape the region’s ecological resilience and economic sustainability.
With implementation now complete, the project leaves behind tangible assets, a trained population, strengthened public institutions, and a connected community—ready to lead the shift toward a circular future in the Balkans.
Read more about the project on the European Green Belt website