The Botanical Garden in Plovdiv has a chance to be restored.

However, to make this happen, a fence must first be built to stop vandals who currently dump trash there. The Botanical Garden is managed by the Agricultural University of Plovdiv and is entirely state-owned.

Prof. Kristina Yancheva, Rector of the Agricultural University of Plovdiv: In 1946, it was transferred from the temporary municipal administration to the Agronomic Faculty of the State University of Plovdiv. In 2000, it became state-public property of the Agricultural University, which is the successor of the Higher Institute of Agriculture.

For years, the garden has not been maintained. It is not guarded and has no fence, so vandals can enter freely.

Velichko Rodopski, Vice-Rector of the Agricultural University of Plovdiv: We only maintain and clean it. Because a lot of trash is dumped there, we cannot secure it, as it is 113 hectares.

Prof. Kristina Yancheva, Rector of the Agricultural University of Plovdiv: We have been concerned for many years about what is happening with the Botanical Garden, but if it is not fenced, we cannot restore the collections and work with students and researchers in the garden.

The “Trakia” municipality has already developed a project for the fence. Its installation will cost around 200,000 leva.

Ivan Totev, Mayor of Plovdiv: Next year, I will propose to the Municipal Council to allocate funds related to the start and restoration of the Botanical Garden in Plovdiv.

However, the municipality has a condition: the Agricultural University must remove the construction store located on the premises.

Velichko Rodopski, Vice-Rector of the Agricultural University of Plovdiv: The store is rented; we will not extend the lease, and as soon as the mayor is ready to help, we will terminate the contract.

The Agricultural University has developed a project for the future vision of the Botanical Garden. It includes planting new and restoring old plants, adding a lake, and even a climbing wall.

Prof. Kristina Yancheva, Rector of the Agricultural University of Plovdiv: Paths, a garden center, and greenhouses will be built where plant species will be maintained and propagated.

Velichko Rodopski, Vice-Rector of the Agricultural University of Plovdiv: We will create a building that will serve as an educational and informational center. There will be people explaining the trees, and there may also be a shop selling souvenirs related to the city of Plovdiv and the university.

To restore the garden, approximately half a million leva will be needed. The university will apply for various projects and hopes for state funding.

Source: BNT