site.btaTwo New Protected Sites Designated within NATURA 2000

Two New Protected Sites Designated within NATURA 2000

Sofia, August 14 (BTA) - The Environment Ministry said on Sunday it has designated two new protected sites within the NATURA 2000 network: Aheloy-Ravda-Nessebur and Yantra River. The order of Environment Minister Ivelina Vassileva has already been gazetted and has taken effect.

The Aheloy-Ravda-Nessebur area will protect marine and land habitats, including dunes, mammal, amphibian, reptile, fish and invertebrate species.

The sand dunes near Nessebur have been eyed by numerous investors and attempts to develop the site have sparked public outcry and protests by environmentalists on multiple occasions.

The Yantra River area will protect land and freshwater habitats, and a number of mammal, amphibian, reptile, fish and invertebrate species.

The Minister's order restricts a number of human activities that are considered a threat. These restrictions are mandatory and offenders will be sanctioned under the Biodiversity Act.