Bulgaria has seven cultural and two natural sites inscribed on the World Heritage List.
Several sites have been the object of planning programmes under the direction of UNESCO. The country has received financial assistance from the World Heritage Fund for work on a number of sites as well as on training.
A major programme for restoration of the city of Plovdiv is being carried out in collaboration with UNESCO’s Office in Venice and several partners.
In the field of intangible heritage, The Bistritsa Babi – archaic polyphony, dances and rituals from the Shoplouk Region was proclaimed a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2005.
Bulgaria is also concerned with underwater heritage as manifested by its ratification of the Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Heritage in 2003.
The Forum Meeting in Varna brought together the region’s Heads of State in May 2005 to discuss the creation of cultural corridors in South-Eastern Europe, protection of the cultural heritage and intercultural dialogue.