The bearded vulture could become Bulgaria's symbol for Eurovision 2027, with the Green Balkans association proposing the endangered species as a distinctive emblem for the contest, which will be held in Burgas next year.
The proposal is linked to efforts to restore the bearded vulture in Bulgaria and the remarkable story of Boev, a bird that left the country, traveled across Europe and eventually returned after covering more than 14,000 kilometers.
Green Balkans says the species could represent several messages associated with Eurovision and Bulgaria, including freedom, courage, travel, homecoming and hope. The bird's wide wings can symbolize the desire to reach new horizons, while its return to Bulgaria represents restoration and the possibility of a second chance.
The bearded vulture has disappeared from Bulgaria as a breeding species, and bringing it back is one of the conservation objectives pursued by environmental organizations and institutions.
The conservation effort also has an international dimension. People and organizations from more than 10 European countries are involved in efforts to restore the species, making the initiative an example of cooperation across national borders.
