In the Rhodope Mountains rewilding landscape in Bulgaria, a series of captivating bus stop murals are showcasing local wildlife and inspiring people to support nature recovery.
Anastas Tarpanov
Building engagement through public art
An artistic initiative in the Rhodope Mountains rewilding landscape in Bulgaria means those waiting for buses can now enjoy intimate encounters with animals such as vultures and bison. Bus stops in the town of Ivaylovgrad and the village of Nanovitsa have been transformed into open-air galleries, thanks to a series of stunning new murals depicting local wildlife. The initiative – a joint effort between the Rewilding Rhodopes Foundation and the municipality of Ivaylovgrad and Momchilgrad – aims to connect residents and visitors with the resurgent wild nature of the area and encourage people to want to protect and enhance it.
“I would like my art to spark conversation and reflection about wildlife conservation,” says Ventsislav Yosifov, the artist who created the murals over several weeks in May. “Street art has the power to reach people directly – without filters or frames. I hope local people will be proud of these murals and even prouder of the animal and plant species they portray.
“Each of these artistic pieces is dedicated to animals and plant typical of the area. My inspiration came from the rich natural heritage of the Rhodopes and it was really exciting to translate my encounters with wildlife into these wall paintings.”
Ventsislav Yosifov
Showcasing rewilding efforts
The murals in Nanovitsa feature a range of iconic species, including European bison, Egyptian vultures, and fallow deer – animals that lie at the heart of rewilding and wildlife comeback in the area. For over a decade, the Rewilding Rhodopes team have been working to restore the “Circle of Life” and natural processes in the Eastern Rhodopes. These efforts have included the reintroduction and reinforcement of populations of keystone herbivores, such as red and fallow deer, European bison, and wild horses. By enhancing natural grazing, which helps to maintaining a semi-open, mosaic landscape, this benefits a wide range of other species – from orchids to tortoises.
The Ivaylovgrad mural depicts a cinereous vulture and two orchid species characteristic of the region. Over the past three years, 17 cinereous vultures have been released into the wild in the Eastern Rhodopes by the Rewilding Rhodopes team and local partner the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB). Additional birds are expected to be released in the coming years to establish a stable population.
Community-focused calls to action
The new artistic initiative goes beyond beautifying bus stops – it aims to raise awareness of nature conservation and rewilding. Each mural includes a QR code that leads to more information about the Rewilding Rhodopes Foundation and its efforts to promote nature recovery in the local landscape.
“These murals are not just decorations – they are messages and calls to action.”
Nelly Naydenova
Rewilding Rhodopes Communications Officer
“These murals are not just decorations – they are messages and calls to action,” says Rewilding Rhodopes Communications Officer Nelly Naydenova. “We hope they inspire people to explore, value, and protect nature, which is our shared home. This initiative symbolise the successful collaboration between local municipalities, conservation organisations, and the artistic community, solidifying the Eastern Rhodopes as a model of harmony between people and nature.”
Connecting art and nature
Ventzislav Yosifov, who is also known as Jermain, is an experienced artist known for his works on environmental themes. Floral and animal motifs are often present in his work, as metaphors for symbolic connections between man and nature.
“When I was invited by Nelly and her team to breathe new life into these old bus stops I responded immediately,” he says. “The concept seemed so meaningful and very close to the messages I try to portray through my art.
“The wild nature in the Rhodopes is extremely valuable and unique and it’s so great to see rewilding efforts here bearing fruit. The most memorable moment for me was on the last day painting the red deer in the village of Nanovista, when two young deer emerged right next to the mural I was working on. It was a living confirmation of the profound connection between art and nature.”
Anastas Tarpanov
Invaluable support
Rewilding Europe’s work in our rewilding landscapes is supported by a wide range of highly valued partners. We would particularly like to acknowledge those providing core funding – notably the Ecological Restoration Fund, the Dutch Postcode Lottery, WWF-Netherlands, and Arcadia. Their longstanding support plays a critical role in enabling us to deliver and scale up rewilding impact.
