High resolution map of Livingston Island (gif, 323kb)
The Bulgarian Antarctic base in eastern Livingston Island, the South Shetland Islands is located on Bulgarian Beach, Emona Harbour, east-northeast of Hesperides Point, at an elevation from 12 to 15m. Coordinates 62o38'29" S by 60o21'53" W. The site is particularly suitable for an Antarctic settlement. Indeed, the existence of St. Kliment Ohridski has resulted in a minimum degree of disturbance to local wildlife, for Bulgarian Beach is endowed by a fairly modest population of penguins and seals. At the same time, the base location offers most convenient access to Mount Friesland, Burdick Ridge, Mount Bowles, southern Hurd Peninsula and Varna Peninsula areas.
Following an aborted attempt on Cape Vostok in the northwest end of Alexander Island, two prefabricated huts were assembled on Livingston Island on April 26-29, 1988 by a four-member Bulgarian team logistically supported by the Soviet ship Mihail Somov. This refuge was later refurbished and inaugurated as a permanent base on December 11, 1993. Formerly known as Sofia University Refuge, in 1994 by Presidential decree the base was named after St. Kliment of Ohrid (840-916 AD), a prominent Bulgarian scholar and bishop.
An expansion program was implemented at St. Kliment Ohridski in 1996-98, including a new house built with materials shipped from Argentina with the logistic support of the Spanish Antarctic Program. Its total area of 80 sq. metres allows for two sleeping quarters, a bathroom, a scientific laboratory, a recreation area and a kitchen. Thus the total capacity of the base was expanded to 15 persons, providing better work and living conditions, as well as possibilities for over-wintering if necessary. Construction work was carried out with negligible environmental impact.
An average of 20 people work at St. Kliment Ohridski during the austral summer, usually from late November or early December until early March. People and cargo are transported to Livingston Island via Punta Arenas and Ushuaia, and transferred ashore by dinghies or helicopters. Waste materials are shipped for disposal back to South America. An office of the Bulgarian Posts has been operating at St. Kliment Ohridski since 1994, postal code BG-1090.
Scientific research carried out at St. Kliment Ohridski is focused on geology, glaciology, meteorology, topographic surveys, biology and human medicine.
High resolution map of Bulgarian Antarctic base (gif, 317kb)
High resolution map of Livingston Island (gif, 323kb)
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