2008 Press Releases
On Earth Day, USAID to Mark Planting of More than 500 Trees and Other Improvements to South Park
For Immediate Release
April 21, 2008
At a ceremony on April 22, which marks international celebrations of Earth Day, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will commemorate the donation of more than 500 newly planted trees and improved infrastructure in the South Park of Sofia. Ambassador Beyrle, Mayor Boiko Borissov, USAID Mission Director Michael Fritz, and Ginka Kapitanova, Executive Director of the Foundation for Local Government Reform, will speak at the event and unveil a stone marking the donation.
The ceremony will take place at 10:00 am on Tuesday, April 22 in South Park behind the Sofia City Center. Media are invited to attend.
USAID collaborated on the park improvement initiative with Sofia Municipality, as part of a series of activities to mark the completion of USAID programs in Bulgaria. In addition to planting trees, USAID assisted in installing lighting and benches in the park. USAID is also supporting the Bulgarian Environmental Partnership Foundation (BEPF) in an initiative to raise funds for further park improvements.
USAID also worked in partnership with the Community Foundations in Stara Zagora, Chepalare, and Yambol to replant trees destroyed by forest fires in the summer of 2007. Approximately 100,000 trees will be planted by these local organizations.
USAID has worked in Bulgaria since 1991, investing more than $600 million in programs to support Bulgaria's transition to a democracy and market economy.
Contact: Katia Alexieva, USAID, tel: 939-5731, kalexieva@usaid.gov