Protected zone “Svishtov-Belene Lowland” - BG0002083

This Protected zone is located south of the Danube River and the Belene island group, between the towns of Belene and Svishtov. It is a huge part of the Danube lowland, periodically flooded by the Danube in the past, forming a natural complex of wetlands rich in flora and fauna. The area has been converted to farmland with semi-natural grassland, scrub and isolated groups of trees and field shelterbelts of trees crossing a network of drainage channels. Kaikusha Marsh occupies the south-western part of the protected area. Although 68% of the area of the Svishtov-Belenska Lowland falls within the Persina Nature Park, nature conservation and scientific research takes place in 4% of the protected area.

This protected area was designated in 2008 under the Birds Directive and the objectives of its designation are twofold:

• To conserve and maintain the habitats of the designated bird species to achieve their favourable conservation status;
• To restore habitats of bird species for which conservation status needs to be improved.