Vrachanski Karst, Nature reserve and tentative World Heritage Site in Vratsa, Bulgaria
Vrachanski Karst is a nature reserve featuring limestone formations, hundreds of caves, and forested valleys in the Vratsa region. The landscape includes deep gorges, rocky surfaces, and mixed woodlands that create a varied natural environment.
The area gained official protected status in 1983 to preserve its geological formations and mountain ecosystems. This protection measure reflected growing recognition of the need to safeguard such natural features.
Local residents gather forest fruits and medicinal plants throughout the year, a practice deeply rooted in the region's connection to the land. These customs shape how people interact with and depend on the natural surroundings in their daily lives.
Visitors can explore the area using marked hiking trails that lead through different parts of the reserve. Sturdy footwear and plenty of water are essential, as trails traverse uneven terrain and rocky passages.
The reserve contains a remarkable diversity of plant species, with many found only in this location or in very few other places. This botanical rarity makes it particularly valuable for understanding and protecting regional biodiversity.
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