Participation in the Sofia Climate Festival - Innovation Climate Festival

Taking part in a festival dedicated to climate solutions

WWF Bulgaria participated in the first edition of the Sofia Climate Festival "Heat Fest" 2026, held from 4 to 6 June in Sofia. The festival aims to become a new annual tradition for the city.

The program, focused on the most pressing issues surrounding climate change adaptation, successfully brought together citizens, civil society organizations, researchers, and international experts. The festival was organized as part of the Be Ready project under the Interreg Danube Program and served as a partner event of the European Green Week. It was organized by the Sofia Development Association and the Sofia Municipality, hosted by the Oborishte District.

Discussing climate challenges and solutions

WWF Bulgaria took part in the international roundtable "Be Ready Cooling Cities Roundtable: Urban Heat Islands, Climate Resilience and the Future of Urban Living," held as part of the Green Transition Forum, where climate challenges were discussed at a high expert level. WWF Bulgaria experts joined the panel discussion to exchange knowledge and share the results and lessons learned from the ForestConnect project.

We presented the challenges posed by climate change and explained its connection to the increasing conflicts between people and large carnivores. For example, unstable weather patterns, such as unusually warm early spring followed by late frosts can prevent certain plant species from producing fruit. This reduction in natural food sources forces bears to move from mountainous areas closer to human settlements in search of food. The experts also showcased the adaptation measures developed through the ForestConnect project, explaining why we plant native fruit-bearing forest tree species and how climate modelling supports our conservation efforts.

Meeting the future guardians of nature

Alongside the expert program, we also participated in the festival's outdoor activities. Through interactive and engaging games, we introduced children visiting our bear-themed stand to the fascinating world of large carnivores and their important role in healthy ecosystems. We explained why green corridors are essential for wildlife movement and why protecting them is becoming increasingly important in the face of climate change. We also shared practical advice on staying safe while enjoying walks in the forest.