How many amplifiers are needed to sound-screen with bird songs the forests in Rila?

| 12 photos “Citizens for Rila”

Citizens with images of wood-pecker, owl and eagle drew the attention staying in front of the Council of Ministers before the ministers’ sitting this morning.

“How many amplifiers are needed to sound-screen with bird songs the forests in Rila? We can simply preserve the birds!”, they appealed.

This is the second in its kind citizens’ presence in front of the Council of Ministers in connection with the new infringement procedures opened by the European Commission against Bulgaria for infringements under the Birds and Habitats Directives and for insufficiency of the Natura 2000 areas. “Citizens for Rila” expect a meeting with Minister N. Karadjova in order to present proposals how to evade the EU penalties which start from 30 000 euros per day and increase proportionately, and which would affect financially every citizen of Bulgaria. Rila area was proposed by Birdlife International as according to the EU rules this territory is obligatorily included in Natura 2000. The Bulgarian government cut down half of this area.

The existence of more than 40 endangered bird species of European importance becomes doubtful after the started implementation of the investment project known as “Super Panichishte”.

“In the recent two weeks century-old spruce forests of European importance have been cut down in the municipal forests of Separeva Banya above Pionerska hut. Proven habitats of the Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium Passerinum) which is an exceptionally rare bird have been destroyed although being some of the last habitats of these birds. Once again we are witnessing the construction of a new ski run next to the chair lift in violation of the Bulgarian and European legislation. “This happens in the week of the opening of the second infringement procedure by the European Commission because of systematic infringements in the Rila protected area – the terrain where a territorial construction plan is being developed for a ski resort”, said Magdalena Slavova of Citizens for Rila.

The preservation of the delicate eco-systems guarantees the life-environment for the people and the resources for their survival. Biodiversity is the basis of any eco-system. Thus the preservation of certain areas representing a vast wealth of species is of a priority importance as regards the mitigation measures for climate change control. The century-old forests in Rila are a major factor for the sustaining of the favorable climate in Bulgaria and they are providing for cooling in general.

For contacts:
Маgdalena Slavova, Citizens for Rila, tel.; 0896 628 958
Мihail Mihov, Citizens for Rila, tel.; 0889 620 483

Pictures: Мihail Mihov
Translation: Prolet Ilieva