On November 28, 2024, the solemn celebration “50 years of the Faculty of Forest Industry (FGP) at the Forestry University (LTU) was held in Sofia Hotel Balkan. BBCWFI was an official partner and supported the event.

Over 300 guests, current and former students, lecturers and employees, dean’s offices of all faculties, partners, sponsors, directors of vocational high schools and others, were present. Official guests of the event were: Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Dr. Eng. Miroslav Marinov, Executive Director of the Forestry Agency Eng. Stoyan Toshev, Director of the Higher Education Directorate at the Ministry of Education and Science Assoc. Prof. Rositsa Koleva, Chief Expert at the National Agency for Assessment and Accreditation Mimi Videnova, the rector’s management of the University of Forestry – Rector Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hristo Mihaylov and Deputy Rectors Assoc. Prof. Dr. Elena Dragozova, Prof. Dr. Petar Antov and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kalin Hristov.

Prof. Dr. Vasil Zhivkov, the Chairman of the Bulgarian Forestry and Forestry Association and Chairman of the General Assembly, opened the event with the words: “I am proud that for 40 years I have been part of the Faculty of Forest Industry, which is one of the main faculties at the University of Forestry and has been developing sustainably for 50 years, both as an academic staff and as specialties.”

In his welcoming speech, the Dean of the Faculty of Political Science, Prof. Dr. Dimitar Angelski, stated: “The Faculty of Political Science is a shining example of a community in which we can build personalities and role models. This anniversary is not just an occasion for celebration, but an expression of gratitude for all who have contributed to the development and success of our academic community.”

The rector of LTU, Assoc. Prof. Mihaylov, noted: “The Faculty of Forestry today is the cornerstone of the value system bequeathed by its founders. Among its lecturers, both in the past and now, there are world-renowned scientists. An extremely rich, meaningful, intensive and modern educational process is being conducted, which is close to practice. It is a good example of joint work of a scientific and educational institution with business. Be assured that the rector’s leadership will continue to develop the modern educational infrastructure of the faculty.”

The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Eng. Miroslav Marinov congratulated the faculty management, lecturers and students on the anniversary, declaring the Faculty of Forestry as a center of knowledge, innovation and development in the field of forest industry in Bulgaria and promised: “The Ministry of Agriculture and Food will continue to support you in your mission. We are with you for the protection of nature, and for the benefit of society and the Bulgarian economy.”

On behalf of Academician Nikolay Vitanov – Deputy Minister of Education and Science, Assoc. Prof. Koleva read the congratulatory address, which emphasized that the FGP is a driver of change and its commitment.

Daniela Petrova, Executive Director of BBCWFI, congratulated the leadership of the Bulgarian Technical University, and noted the fact that the Chamber has been a partner of the university for years, supports higher education and is constantly looking for new opportunities for the realization of young people in the industry.