Project Leader: Che Shengquan，School of Design

Project Location: Bulgaria

Climate change has become a global issue of widespread concern, posing a serious threat to the sustainability of human society. Bulgaria is not only an important strategic partner in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, but also a key bridge in China and Eastern Europe cooperation. At the EU roundtable meetings, topics related to climate policy and governance account for 30% of the agenda, making Bulgaria both a major contributor to policy formulation and an active practitioner in EU climate action.

In 2018 and 2019, the project team conducted field research on the ecological and cultural resources of rural Bulgaria and their development patterns. The team produced thematic research reports covering rural industry development, environment, architecture, and cultural heritage. These findings were applied to local initiatives including ecological education, traditional cultural preservation, and the planning of agricultural demonstration zones. The project provided strategic recommendations for rural development policies in both China and Bulgaria. The publication "Bulgaria Rural revitalization" was released as part of the project and was recognized by the Chinese Embassy in Bulgaria, the Bulgarian Ministry of Agriculture, and local education authorities.

In 2024, the project team conducted research on the natural and cultural ecological systems of rural Bulgaria, evaluating the effectiveness of existing strategies. Based on this, they developed climate-adaptive planning strategies for rural ecological systems. The team co-hosted climate forums and outcome presentations with Bulgarian partners to promote deeper scientific and technological collaboration. These events were covered and reported by the Chinese Embassy in Bulgaria, Bulgaria’s National Agricultural Television, local newspapers, and 26 international media outlets and partner universities involved in China–Bulgaria cooperation.