Struma River Cleanup!
On Sunday, September 26th 2021, we invite you to the banks of the Struma river near Kyustendil for a clean up action. Rain or shine, let’s make Struma and its banks free of trash as much as possible in a day. And we take the responsibility to prevent new waste from ending up in the river.
Thanks to the united efforts of so many great local people and harmonica team, we have set the organization scheme, parking spots, cleaning materials, pickup and removal of the collected garbage. So you can just come in high spirits for a good cause.
It’s been a year since we started looking for a solution to the horrific waste pollution in the Struma river. And it seems we are about to succeed. Now we need lots of people to clean up the accumulated trash over the years.
Here are the meeting points where we will be waiting for you:
Meeting point 1-under Konyavski bridge opposite Petrol gas station.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mwAPfdCTAZSycmCV9
Meeting point 2 – at the pumping station.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pjfEZJR7xjoKzoii7
Meeting point 3-under Tranovlazhky bridge.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/94HgL7EU6VLa9jhu5
There is a parking area at each meeting point. Harmonica team members and volunteers in blue T-shirts will give you the necessary cleanup materials (bags, gloves, masks) and guide you to the river spots. You will receive instructions on how to sort out the trash using bags in different colors. We will provide drinking water and fruits. There will be running water, toilets, and some relaving areas.
What to bring?
- strong gloves (the ones available at the meeting points are disposable),
- rubber boots or shoes suitable for muddy terrain and water (after all, we are cleaning up a river).
How are we going to collect the trash?
We will collect separately! Plastic and glass waste goes in separate colored bags that will be transported to recycling depots in Kyustendil. The money raised from the recycled trash will be donated to the children’s ward in the regional hospital in Kyustendil.
We will collect household and other unrecyclable waste in bags of different colors delivered later to the local waste depot.
Kyustendil Municipality provides specialized equipment to clean up the most polluted areas.
Why are we doing this?
A year ago, Metodi (one of the 3 founders of harmonica) and two friends initiated several small cleanup actions on the Struma river near Dolna Grashtitsa Village as this was the place where they grew up as kids. Gradually, more people joined as Meto’s example was so inspiring. Now, harmonica’s team is doing everything possible to clean up the piled trash and prevent new waste from getting into the river. We regularly tell you all about these efforts on our website and social networks. We received a great deal of support and met some very active people. With their help, we are sure to bring our initiative to a successful end. So Struma River can run clean while Meto and his friends engage in other activities.
Chuncha, Meto, and Nikolai started cleaning last summer and inspired so many people to follow them.
Our hope is that the campaign turns into a positive example that inspires more people and organizations in Bulgaria to join forces and address river pollution in their local area. At different places of the country.
harmonica is always searching for a sustainable solutions, whether it’s about clean food or clean rivers. We want our actions to set an example worth following.
We will be waiting for you on September 26th 2021. Come with your family, friends, colleagues. We are in this together.
It’s an all-hands-on-deck kind of challenge if we want to be successful.
Here’s just a glimpse of what to expect.…
Ideas for Sunday tourism in the region:
Combine your trip to Kyustendil for the cleanup action with visiting one of the following places:
- Park and fortress „Hisarlaka„. Great place for a walk surrounded by beautiful nature and medieval history.
- The ancient redwoods near Yuchbunar and the village of Bogoslov. Declared a natural monument in 1989, these redwoods are over 130 years. The oldest in Bulgaria!
- Rock sanctuary „Proviralishteto”, the village of Lilyach. An extraordinary place with powerful energy.
- „Vladimir Dimitrov – the Master“ Museum House, the village of Shishkovtsi. The renowned Bulgarian artist lived and worked in the house in the period between 1926 and 1944. The house functions as a museum since June 25th, 1982.
- „Vladimir Dimitrov – the Master“ Art Gallery, the town of Kyustendil. Opened in 1972 on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the great artist.
- The magical Smolchansky waterfall. The picturesque 15-meter waterfall „Saint Ana“ is located near the beautiful village of Smolichano. A church of the same name is situated above the waterfall. It’s known for the miraculous waters of its fountain called „ayazmo“.
Thanks to our partners
- Iskra Stoilova and Srachno,
- All volunteers,
- Devin,
- MasterCard,
- Kyustendil Municipality.