Floating piers unlock Bulgarian lake access, sparking nationwide interest

Batak Dam in southern Bulgaria is a tranquil spot surrounded by forested hills, popular for camping, angling and water sports. However, fluctuating water levels have long made access to the dam's shoreline difficult and sometimes even dangerous. Now, a small local non-profit, Club 'Water Sports Western Rhodopes,' has turned this problem into an opportunity by developing Bulgaria's first floating piers system on an inland reservoir, with EU support.

A homegrown solution

At the heart of the initiative is Todor Hristov, the project manager and driving force behind the idea. With a passion for water sports and a deep connection to the area, Hristov led the planning and coordination.

"When you are in hot water, you are forced to find a solution," Hristov recalled, describing the early stages of the project before he contacted a supplier of floating infrastructure and shared his concept.

Within a few months and with support from the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund, the team installed 200 square metres of interlinked floating pontoons. These pontoons, which are safe, UV-resistant, and environmentally friendly, are anchored near Ostrova, a small island in the reservoir. This custom-made infrastructure now serves as a launching platform for canoes, boats, jet skis and angling enthusiasts. It provides much-needed stability in an area where muddy, shifting banks made entry into the water unsafe.

Infrastructure with a social impact

"This project helped us create a safer, more accessible space on the dam and make sure that more people, especially children, can enjoy the water," said Hristov. "We have built something that belongs to the whole community."

More than 1,000 people used the facility in the first season, including children, families and visitors from the nearby eco-camp. The piers have supported recreational fishing lessons, water sports activities and small tourism services. They have also opened the water to groups who previously faced barriers, including children with special needs. The piers are open to the public and are free to use.

From local idea to national attention

The piers are a first for Bulgaria's inland waters and have attracted national media attention. In June 2024, the Bulgarian Managing Authority for the EMFAF organised a site visit to Batak Dam. The event was featured in national broadcasts and demonstrated how small-scale infrastructure can promote territorial cohesion in fisheries areas.

Yet the journey was not easy. "Obtaining permits for the dam felt like an endurance exercise," Hristov noted. "It took over two months and endless paperwork from different institutions. The slow process led to delays and increased costs, but we did not give up."

A model for replication: lessons from Batak

The floating piers at Batak Dam have sparked interest from other municipalities that face similar challenges with water access.

Hristov supports the idea of replication but offers a word of caution. For non-profit groups like his, financing remains an obstacle. The permitting process was also lengthy and complex, involving several public authorities. Hristov recommends that others explore partnerships or shared investment models before launching similar projects. With the right planning and support, he believes the floating piers can bring value to many more communities across Bulgaria.

A simple idea with a big impact

What began as a small, locally driven project has become a shared space for learning, leisure and community life. The piers have improved safety, created new opportunities and brought fresh attention to Bulgaria's inland fisheries areas. With the help of EU funding, one local idea has made a lasting difference.