Volunteers planted trees in the zoo in Varna

Ten trees were planted this morning at the zoo in Bulgaria’s coastal city of Varna. Lime trees and ash trees were planted not only at the alleys, but also in front of the animals’ homes. The initiative is from the non-governmental organization European Music Academy in response to the call for everyone to reduce their carbon footprint.

The idea comes from Teodora Dimitrova from Varna, who is a citizen of the world, travels a lot and spends considerable time at airports and on airplanes. For people who travel a lot, climate change is obvious, she said.

Teodora Dimitrova: For the last 2-3 years, there are turbulences more and more during flights, and it happens to land not where I am going. My family travels a lot. We should somehow do something about this nature that already tolerates us so much.

As Director of the European Music Academy Foundation, Teodora organises international events that are also related to travel. So she defines this initiative not as altruism, but rather as a manifestation of a slightly guilty conscience about the heavy carbon footprint left behind.

The idea appealed to many and to the zoo staff. Volunteers joined the initiative.

Dobrin Stoychev: It is actually my first tree to plant in my life and it is very strong. And I would like to plant more.

The place was not chosen at random either - the Varna Zoo is working hard to meet the European criteria and to bring the habitats of the animals closer to their natural environment. Young trees will certainly be kept and cared for here, and Norwegian firs will join them in November when the time is right for their planting.