Citizen's action in front of Council of Ministers in Sofia, 25 November 2009

| 56 photos “Citizens for Rila”

About 20 people and a great number of media took part in the first action of the renewed citizen’s presence in support of Natura 2000 in front of the Council of Ministers. The occasion is the opening of two infringement procedures against Bulgaria for infringements and inadequate conservation of the areas included in the Natura 2000 ecological network in Rila. The procedure under the Birds Directive started on 29 October is relating to the fact that the Bulgarian government cut down half of the bird protection area in Rila and left many bird species of European importance uncovered by adequate protection. The procedure under the Habitats Directive was started on 20 November for the unlawful ski lifts and tree fellings for ski runs in the Panichishte and Kartala resorts. If Bulgaria does not undertake measures to stop the infringements we shall have to pay penalties in the amount of minimum 30 000 euros per day under each separate procedure. Today the citizens were clad like elderly people (with which we by no means would intend to offend the old-age pensioners!) in order to ask the ministers: “Should our hairs grow white as we keep protesting on the yellow paving-stones until you begin to protect Bulgarian nature?”

The Bulgarian government disposes of two months to report to the European Commission what measures has it taken in order to stop the infringements on the law in Rila. During this time the weekly presence is to be continued EVERY WEDNESDAY from 9:30 to 10:00 a.m. in front of the Council of Ministers.

Translation: Prolet Ilieva
Pictures: Elitsa Stoyanova