site.btaVisit by Bern Convention Representatives to Bosilegrad Concludes, Independent Assessment of Mine Activities Requested

As a conclusion to the visit of the Bern Convention delegation to Bosilegrad, Serbia, a joint meeting was held at the municipal building, attended by representatives of the international team, local authorities, state institutions, the National Council of the Bulgarian National Minority, non-governmental organisations and civil society activists.

The visit was prompted by a complaint concerning the potential impact of mining activities in the Karamanica area on water resources, natural habitats, wild flora and fauna, and the overall quality of the environment.

Prior to the final meeting, the Bern Convention representatives held two separate meetings, one with environmental activists and another with local authorities. The delegation also visited parts of the affected areas along the Tlaminska River valley.

During the discussion, the various parties presented their positions. Municipal representatives challenged the credibility of some of the published materials and photographs related to pollution. Representatives of the National Council said that, according to a survey conducted among the local population, a significant proportion of residents supported the opening of the mine. Representatives of citizens and non-governmental organisations disputed these claims and called for the methodology, scope and results of the survey to be made public, as well as for the grounds on which the authenticity of the photographic materials had been questioned to be disclosed.

A key focus of the discussion was the need for environmental legislation and Serbia’s international obligations to be effectively implemented on the ground. It was stressed that nature protection must begin before damage occurs, through an accurate assessment of species, habitats, water resources and the potential consequences of economic activities. In this context, a comprehensive, independent and impartial assessment of the flora, fauna and natural habitats in the area of the mine was requested, based on verifiable field data, with the results made publicly available.

The meeting also raised the issue of clearly defining the responsibilities of state institutions, local government, expert organisations and the investor.

The ultimate goal is to establish the facts objectively, ensure that the results are accessible to the public, and guarantee that environmental protection laws and international obligations are applied equally to all parties.