The Dream of Pirin National Park and the Realities of Socialist Eco-Policies in the 1960s and 1970s

Pirin National Park's establishment in the 1960s and 1970s under socialist eco-policies reflects a complex interplay between legislative efforts, territorial expansion, and societal transformation. The study reveals that while initial measures aimed to preserve natural wealth, they also prioritized resource utilization, shaping both the park's development and local communities' attitudes toward nature. Through archival research, museum materials, and historical publications, the analysis traces the evolution of three key designations—Vihren National Park, Pirin Public Park, and Pirin National Park—and examines how these changes influenced daily life in Razlog and surrounding areas. The findings highlight a nuanced balance between conservation ideals and practical socio-economic needs during Bulgaria's socialist era.

Manova, H. (2021). The Dream of Pirin National Park and the Realities of Socialist Eco-Policies in the 1960s and 1970s. Balkanistic Forum, 30(3), 402–413. https://doi.org/10.37708/bf.swu.v30i3.24