This congress was held from 25 to 30 June 2023 at Paphos, Cyprus. There, 85 dragonfly enthusiasts had the opportunity to discover the LIFE+ program for Pomorie lagoon through a poster presenting the conservation status of the Dark Spreadwing Lestes macrostigma in Bulgaria. 

We were more than happy to share the great news that twelve pairs of Avocet are currently nesting on the new wooden platform created during the last conservation camp in September 2022. In the last few days, several Common terns accompany them. On the other older platforms 19 more Avocet pairs made their nests totalling number to 31 pairs in that part of the lagoon. 

Climate changes are becoming an increasingly important and noticeable part of our lives, and if here in Bulgaria we still do not feel the new challenges with such force and only suffer because there is not enough snow or precipitation, then in the southern and mediterranean countries people more and more "feel the heat" in their lives. Already at the end of April, it is 26 degrees, and the days with a temperature above 40 degrees are constantly increasing, there is a lack of fresh water, in the summer months the rivers almost disappear.
 

In order to find out what the youth of Pomorie (and not only) think about the lake and its future, and also to draw people's attention to this wonderful place and its care, the Life for Pomorie Lagoon Project is organizing a youth contest.
 

This year astronomical start of spring coincided with the arrival of the first Avocets in the Pomorie Lagoon. During the regular bird monitoring conducted in the project, on 20 March we observed 15 birds on the islet in front of the Salt Museum that was restored during the conservation camp in September.

We were more than happy to observe a pair of Oystercatchers on the new wooden platform created during the last conservation camp in September 2022. The pair was demonstrating breeding behaviour and defended its ground against attack by a hooded crow.