State of emergency for Srebarna Nature Reserve extended by one month

The state of emergency at Bulgaria's Srebarna Nature Reserve has been extended for another month, now lasting until September 29. This measure is in response to the critically low water levels affecting the reserve's ecosystem.

The primary cause for the extended emergency status is the diminished water flow from the Danube River. This has led to significantly reduced water levels in the lake within the UNESCO-protected reserve.

Efforts to combat the drought conditions are underway, with authorities having transferred approximately 2.8 million cubic meters of water to the lake since July 14. This intervention aims to sustain the delicate balance of the reserve's environment, which is crucial for its diverse wildlife.

The Srebarna Nature Reserve, a Ramsar site and UNESCO World Heritage site, is a vital habitat for numerous bird species, including migratory birds. The prolonged low water levels pose a significant threat to the biodiversity and ecological health of the area, necessitating continued emergency management.