site.btaIn Wake of Protests, Minister Scraps Order Restricting Economic Activity in Protected Areas

Sofia, August 5 (BTA) - Minister of Environment and Waters Neno Dimov cancelled an order of July 21, 2017 imposing bans on certain activities within the Kaliakra Complex protected area, which is a part of the Natura 2000 network. The order is being withdrawn following an order of Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and mass protests of citizens of the municipalities of Kavarna, Shabla and Balchik.

The order was preceded by negotiations of Minister Dimov with the European Commission after the EU Court of Justice issued a judgement against Bulgaria in connection with the building of windmills and other sites in protected areas. The agreement with the Commission will prevent financial sanctions and millions of losses for Bulgaria including through the removal of existing sites in the protected areas. The order imposed a total ban on farming, construction and fishing in properties falling into the Natura 2000 network of protected areas. According to the taboo list, people cannot plough fields, grow maize or sunflower, plant trees, and catch fish or mussels within 15 km off the coast.

On Friday, hundreds of residents of the municipalities of Kavarna, Balchik and Shabla staged a protest insisting on the immediate revocation of an Environment and Water Ministry order.

The Ministry notes that while reducing the losses for Bulgaria the agreement with the Commission distributes them in an unfair manner, o.e. the main burden is transferred on the entities that would be least capable of bearing it. For this purpose, Minister Dimov will meet with the mayors of the settlements in the Kaliakra Region, representatives of the To Save Dobroudja Initiative Committee and the affected sectoral organizations.

Dimov will talk with European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Karmenu Vella and will invite him along with non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to discuss different positions and seek solutions.