Shiroka Polyana dam lake is part of Batashki hydroelectric scheme system, which is made up of  Batak, Malak Beglik, Golyam Beglik, Toshkov Chark, Shiroka Polyana and Dospat lakes. It is on 46 km. from the town of Peshtera and about 20 km. from the town of Dospat. It occupies the West part from Rhodopes mountain (Veliyshka-Vidinska part). It has a rich flora and fauna – Scotch fir, spruce, pine spruce, wild rabbit, silver fox, red deer, doe, bear, wolf.

Belasitsa is a relatively unknown mountain in the southwestern part of the country. During the socialist regime the area fell within the former iron curtain border zone and was fenced with barbed wire and public access was restricted. As a result of this, nowadays, unique flora and fauna species have been preserved in the mountain. Approximately 30% of the territory of the mountain falls within the territory of Bulgaria and this is the only Bulgarian mountain, which can be proclaimed as a trilateral transboundary protected area between Bulgaria, Greece and Macedonia. This is a good basis for sustainable development of the region within the joint European future.

The territory of Belasitza mountain is a typical example of a landscape-level ecosystem divided by national borders of 3 countries – Bulgaria, Greece and F.R.O.Y. Macedonia. The mountain also plays the role of climatic border between the Mediterranean and the sub-continental region. The mountain hosts some of the most representative examples of biodiversity in Bulgaria – more than 1200 flora species – 1/3 of the Bulgarian flora, 102 of them with high conservation value. The invertebrate fauna is remarkably rich in species and scientists discover new species, still unknown for the science. Belasitsa mountain also hosts numerous vertebrates – 8 species of amphibians, 15 species of reptiles, 120 bird species and more than 50 mammals.

The centuries old chestnut forests are of conservational interest not only in Bulgaria, but also in Europe.

Why Belasitsa must be protected?
• In order to preserve the natural chestnut forests;
• In order to protect the centuries-old mixed beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) forests;
• Because the mountain protects flora and fauna species threatened by extinction: albainan lily (Lilium albanicum Grsb.), yew (Taxus baccata L.), holly (Ilex aquifolium L.), alfalfa (Medicago carstiensis Jacq. ssp. belassitzae Koz.);
• In order to develop ecotourism and sustainable traditional use of mountain resources;
• To enhance extensive cattle breeding in mountain pasture areas.
• In order to develop multifunctional forestry;
• Transboundary cooperation for sustainable development of the region

The new Nature park (with territory of 11,700 ha), which is a part of the Balkan Green Belt and the Natura 2000 network, will guarantee further protection of the mountain’s natural resources and will also provide new opportunities for the local communities.

The Balkan mountain range (Bulgarian and Serbian: Стара планина, Stara planina, “Old Mountain”). The Balkan range runs 560 km from the Vrashka Chuka Peak on the border between Bulgaria and eastern Serbia eastward through central Bulgaria to Cape Emine on the Black Sea. The highest peaks of the Stara planina are in central Bulgaria. The highest peak is Botev (2,376 m), located in the Central Balkan National Park (established 1991). The mountain gives the name of the Balkan Peninsula. Stara Planina played an enormous role in the History of Bulgaria and the development of the Bulgarian nation and people.

In earlier times the mountains were known as the Haemus Mons. Scholars consider that Haemus (Greek ‘Aimos) is derived from an unattested Thracian word *saimon, meaning ‘mountain range’.

Stara Planina is remarkable for its flora and fauna. Edelweiss grows there in the region of Koziata stena.

The town of Dospat lies on the south coast of the Dospat dam, in the western Rhodope Mountains,close to the Greek border.
The nature around the dam is appreciated as visually appealing, with old pine forests surrounding the lake, and opposite it the steep slopes of the Rhodope mountains are picturesquely studded with houses and hotels.
The area offers great opportunities for recreation and tourism. Dospat Dam is a dam located in the western Rhodope Mountains, Bulgaria. It is situated in the interior of the Rhodope Mountains, in the immediate proximity of the town of the same name, at distance of 82 km west of Smolyan. Located 1,200 metres above the sea level, it is the highest dam in Bulgaria in terms of altitude, and, with its 22 km? of water area, the second largest in capacity. It is fed by the Sarnitsa river.
The flora and fauna around the dam are diverse and the geography offers breathtaking sights. Old coniferous forests surround the lake. On the northern bank where the towns of Sarnitsa and Krusha are located the terrain is hilly, with meadows and arable land available, used for grazing, potato growing and other agricultural activities. Parallel to the south bank are steep slopes covered in spruce and this bank is where most holiday cabins and hotels are located.
The dam is rich in fish. It is stocked with perch, trout (rainbow, brown, brook and grayling), carp and various other members of Cyprinidae. Trout are reared in cages within the dam. Most types of fishing are practiced: spinning with lures, fly fishing, and others.
In the surrounding areas there are a number of other dams, including Vacha, Beglika, Batak and Shiroka Polyana. The area offers great opportunities for recreation and tourism.
Accessibility is, however, rather poor. Three main mountain roads link the dam to the rest of the world. One from Batak, a second from Velingrad to Sarnitsa and a third from Devin to the town of Dospat. The latter two have in recent time sustained damage due to freak weather. The one from Batak allows accessibility to some of the other Rhodope dams along its length. It forks into two roads; one leading to the town of Dospat and the other to Sarnitsa. This road to Sarnitsa is in places very rutted and may prove a challenge to navigate. Along the south bank there runs a rough dirt track from Sarnitsa to Dospat but this is only used to access the holiday spots.