A Journey into Bulgaria’s Natural Heritage
There is a wonderful museum somewhere in Bulgaria, deep in the mountains. At the edge of the village of Cherni Osam, where the road ends, stands the Natural Science Museum. It was built 50 years ago with deep respect for the region’s natural heritage. Today, it is a local hub for research, nature protection and environmental education.
Its mission is to inspire responsibility for nature through a design that engages visitors of all ages and stimulates all senses. With the addition of the new Biosphere Centre, the museum now develops a dedicated space for understanding the Man and the Biosphere Programme, helping visitors explore the balance between human activity and ecological preservation.
The museum today is much more than a collection – it is a cultural and educational environment in which we can accumulate knowledge in an extracurricular environment while having fun.
Heritage interpretation plays a crucial role in the museum’s exhibitions. Here one could find a space entirely dedicated to the Man and the Biosphere Programme, introducing visitors to the concept of sustainable development and the role of biosphere reserves in protecting both cultural and natural landscapes. Another space focuses on the unique flora and fauna of the surrounding beech forests – part of the serial World Heritage Property Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and other Regions of Europe. The exhibition uses interactive displays, custom-made animations, and immersive light and sound effects to bring the forest to life.
As a museum rooted in the local community, accessibility, sustainability, and inclusivity are at the core of its development. The museum actively collaborates with local schools, providing hands-on learning experiences that go beyond formal education. Through partnerships with institutions like the National School for Mountain Guides, the museum offers practical training programs that prepare young people for careers in conservation and ecotourism. A strong emphasis on environmental education is reflected in initiatives like the biodiversity garden, a living exhibit demonstrating sustainable coexistence between plants, insects, and animals.
Supporting the management and conservation of Bulgaria’s UNESCO-designated sites, the museum works closely with the Central Balkan National Park. It serves as an accessible point of contact where park rangers and conservation experts can engage with the public, raise awareness about protected areas, and promote responsible tourism. Through special events like Ranger Day, Earth Day, and Ecological Debt Day, the museum fosters greater understanding of environmental challenges and conservation efforts. By acting as a bridge between experts and the public, it plays a vital role in ensuring that heritage preservation remains a shared effort.
On the other side of the Cherni Osam River lies the Cooperative „Obnova“ established in 1922. The factory uses high-quality beech wood for the production of its goods. Cooperative „Obnova“ is the first factory in Bulgaria specialized in the manufacturing of plywood.