Floating piers boost water access and inspire nationwide interest

Developed by the local non-profit Club “Water Sports Western Rhodopes” with EMFF support, the project introduced Bulgaria’s first floating pier system on an inland reservoir. 

Within months, the club installed 200 m² of interconnected pontoons near Ostrova Island and the eco-camp 'Batak.' Made of UV-resistant and eco-friendly polyethylene, the structures provide safe, stable access for anglers, canoes, boats, and jet skis, addressing the challenge of muddy, shifting banks that made the shoreline unsafe. Open and free to the public, the piers host inclusive recreational fishing and canoeing sessions for children, including those with special needs, enhancing community life and tourism around Batak.