Global Significance

• A speciation center for endemic flora;
• A speciation center for endemic invertebrate fauna;
• A place for reproduction of a significant number of taxons of global significance for conservation; 24 globally endangered vertebrate species, 13 invertebrate species, and 10 plant species;
• One of the world’s most representative ecosystems of spruce and fir, in combination with the endemic Macedonian pine.

European Significance

• Serves as an important part of the ecological corridor connecting the European, Mediterranean and Pre-Asian flora and fauna;
• The Park contains extremely undisturbed ecosystems. This is particularly typical of forest ecosystems – approximately 94.8% of the forests are natural in origin;
• The largest area of protected centennial coniferous forests and the floral and faunal groups related to them;
• High degree of habitat diversity (71 different types) representing 11% of the general European list of habitats according to CORINE system of habitat classification;
• An important refuge for the populations of invertebrates, large mammals, birds, and bats;
• One of the territories with vital raptors (15 species);
• High percentage participation of Macedonian pine (Balkan endemic species), reaching 11.6% of the composition of forest ecosystems;
• Some of the most representative dwarf pine ecosystems (37% of the forested area in the Park) in Europe;
• Exceptional diversity of vegetation complexes represented in vegetation belts (vertical zoning);

National Significance

• A major sounrce of the country’s water;
• One of Bulgaria’s most significant watersheds providing water for Sofia, the capital city, and for populations of Greece and Turkey;
• The most significant localities for five phytocenoses of significance for conservation;
• The largest high-mountain population of souslik (Spermophilus citellus) in Bulgaria;
• The largest population of Balkan chamois (Rupicarpa rupicarpa balcanica) in Bulgaria;
• One of Bulgaria’s two nesting sites for pygmy owl (Glaucidium passerinum);
• One of Bulgaria's four localities of Alpine newts (Triturus alpestris);
• One of the most significant areas for conservation of the Bulgarian populations of capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus).
• Important refuge and habitat for the pine marten (Martes martes);
• The tallest spruce trees in Bulgaria (higher than 60 m);
• An abundance of high-mountain peat sphagnum bogs.
• A significant nature conservation reservoir for 45% of the plants occurring in Bulgaria, 80% of the invertebrates, and 80% of the glacial lake flora and fauna.

Significance of Landscape

• All elements of the Alpine relief are developed in Rila, in contrast to other Bulgarian mountains;
• One of the most impressive and beautiful landscapes offering unique lake formations including Sedemte Lakes, Marichini Lakes, Urdini Lakes (120 permanent lakes in total);
• The best representations in Bulgaria of post-glacial terrain forms. The landscape, terrain and particular physical shapes are unique for the country;
• Some of Bulgaria's highest lakes (the Ledenoto lake) below Musala Peak, at 2,709 meters above sea level;
• The deepest high-mountain lake bowl in Bulgaria (Okoto - 37.5 m);
• The Specific landscape is determined by the presence of the highest number of glacial lakes on such an area in Bulgaria;
• There are more than 40 peaks in Rila National Park higher than 2,000 m, along with the highest peak on the Balkan Peninsula, (Musala, 2,952 m above sea level).

Significance for the System of Protected Areas

• One of Europe’s largest IUCN Category II protected areas;
• One of the most significant locations for globally endangered species, plants and animals (imperial eagle, corncrake, souslik etc.);
• A potential part of the pan-European ecological network NATURA 2000;
• Includes one of the oldest reserves in Bulgaria (Parangalitsa biosphere reserve, established in 1933);
• Rila National Park includes also the largest nature reserve in Bulgaria (the Central Rila Reserve, 12,393 ha);
• The largest national park in Bulgaria;
• One of Bulgaria's three most significant protected areas;
• This protected area allows the implementation of a number of the most important nature conservation conventions to which Bulgaria is party (the Bern Convention, the European Directive 92/43, etc.).

Historical and Cultural Significance

• An important source of spiritual and cultural inspiration for the Bulgarian arts and sciences;
• One of the highest locations of ancient Roman roads in Bulgaria;
• An important location for traditional meetings of members of the White Brotherhood spiritual society.

Significance for People, Local Communities and Public in General

• The forest complexes act as environment formation elements in Bulgaria;
• Functioning on the principle of sustainable development Rila National Park is among the most important areas for tourism, traditions, crafts, mountain sports and recreation in Bulgaria;
• An important area acting as a sink for carbon dioxide and as a purification center in the region;
• Important for future regional of development, economic growth, and employment;
• One of Bulgaria’s most concentrated areas and facilities for recreation and tourism;
• An important source of forest products for local communities;
• One of the few locations in the country allowing for scientific research and environmental education within naturally functioning ecosystems;
• A source of more than 140 medicinal plant species.