Recultivation of lands, disturbed by extraction is a complex activity, aimed at restoration of the areas for future rational and environmentally sound use. Recultivation processes are aimed at restoring the function of damaged lands and the creation of balanced ecological systems. Recultivation transforms or recovers damaged areas, creates more productive anthropogenic landscapes and habitats of different species. Many nature reserves in Europe are located in old and recultivated former quarries. Thus, areas with relatively poor environmental quality are replaced by sites with very rich environmental properties.
Legislation of the Republic of Bulgaria stipulates that mining and geological organizations must lead their recultivation processes, restoring technologically damaged lands into agricultural or forestry fund. Forests are characterized by the greatest biodiversity of all ecosystems on Earth. They provide habitats to about two thirds of the species on the planet. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) estimates that each year 130,000 km² of the world's forests are lost due to deforestation.
The forests are replaced by agricultural land, unsustainable logging, misused management practices and construction of settlements and related infrastructure are the most common causes of forested areas loss. Over the past 100 years, the exploitation of forests has increased significantly. As a result, nearly 45% of primary forest covering of Earth is destroyed and the reckless use and management of remaining forest ecosystems has led to their fragmentation and degradation. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), there are more than 1 billion hectares destroyed or degraded forest areas in the world, which may be recovered. Forests maintain a stable global climate, and should be the base of measures against climate change. They offer the fastest and most economical way to control greenhouse gases. Forests are habitat for many plant and animal species and source of food, medicine and water, and play an important role in maintaining a stable global climate and environment. In 2000, Kaolin AD implemented a project for large-scale recultivation of the outside dump of its existing deposit of quartz-kaolin raw material. The company carried out forestation activities on area of nearly 200 acres. Today, the forest, numbering more than 40,000 young acacia trees is a new habitat for different species. It is planned that in partnership with specialists from Department of Nature at the Regional Museum of History Ruse, numerous projects to be developed and implemented for promotion of the breeding of birds by providing nesting sites. Students from local schools and eco-clubs will mount over 100 bird houses and 20 bird feeders. By participating in the project, the children will learn to respect their environment and gain knowledge about biodiversity in their region.