[EGP] EGP Press Release : Bulgarian authorities Must Immediately Stop Illegal construction in Rila Park

26.10.2007

Bulgarian Authorities Must Immediately Stop Illegal Construction in Rila Park

The Spokespersons of the European Green Party today gave their enthusiastic support to the Bulgarian Green Party in their campaign against the illegal construction project which is currently underway in the Rila National Park in Bulgaria.

EGP Co-Spokesperson Philippe Lamberts said: “The Bulgarian authorities have been informed many times, by the Bulgarian Green Party as well as many environmental organisations, that illegal construction of a ski-lift and road is taking place in areas which are protected areas covered by the EC Habitats directive and the EC Birds directive . Unfortunately, the authorities have done nothing up to now to stop this illegal and highly destructive building work. The areas in question are the “Rila “area which is covered by both the Birds and Habitats directives and the “Rila Buffer Zone” which is covered by the Habitats directive.”

EGP Co-Spokesperson Ulrike Lunacek continued: “We in the EGP insist that the Bulgarian authorities issue an order to stop with immediate effect the illegal construction near Panichishte and give a guarantee that the relevant laws will be enforced. No permission should be given for the construction of ski resorts within or bordering the territory of the Rila National Park. It is also imperative that the Rila and “Rila buffer zone” areas are given full protection under Natura 2000 legislation, as recommended by Scientists specialising in this field. The authorities must not, under any circumstances, bow to pressure from developers and investors to exclude Panichishte from the Natura 2000 site. The Bulgarian authorities must do to safeguard all protected territories covered by the Habitats and Birds directives as well as all Natura 2000 sites.”

Graham Burgess

Communications Officer

European Green Party

Tel no :+32 2 626 0724

Mobile:+32 477 902 023

email:graham.burgess@europeangreens.org