The nature conservation site Poda was declared a protected area in 1989 by the Bulgarian Ministry of Water and Environment.

BSPB prepares and implements activities adopted by the Council of Minister's Management Plan, but receives its funding completely from entrance fees, souvenirs sold, and donations.

[citation needed] Other rare species of note in the protected area include Bulgaria's largest snake, the four-lined rat-snake (Elaphe sauromates); Europe's smallest mammal, the pygmy white toothed shrew; nutria, which are not native to the area; and a worldwide endangered European otter.

[citation needed] To facilitate its mission of environmental education and eco-tourism, BSPB has operated a Nature Conservation Center at Poda since 1997.

It is open the entire year and offers lectures on the unique habitats and species in the area to tourists and visiting groups of students.