Ordinance Addressing Beach Accessibility for People with Disabilities Is in Final Stage of Coordination

Yoana Vodenicharova

Regional Development and Public Works Minister Violeta Koritarova at a conference organized by the Tourism Ministry, Sofia, Nov. 19, 2024 (BTA Photo/Nikola Uzunov)

Sofia,

19.11.2024 14:42

(BTA)

An ordinance related to revisions to the Act on the Black Sea Coast Spatial Development that regulate access to sea beaches for people with disabilities is in its final stage of coordination with the National Council of People with Disabilities, caretaker Regional Development and Public Works Minister Violeta Koritarova said here on Tuesday. She was speaking at a conference on sustainable development and the management of beaches under concession or lease in Bulgaria.

Tuesday’s event was organized by the Tourism Ministry and attended by caretaker Tourism Minister Evtim Miloshev and Environment and Water Minister Petar Dimitrov, among others.

Koritarova said that they are finalizing the ordinance so that it can take effect on January 1, 2025. She added that it defines the relevant technical requirements and aims to have concessionaires and lessees of certain beaches establish the necessary facilities to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities starting from the next tourist season.

Minister Miloshev said that the Ministry will identify beaches suitable for accessibility measures as per the law, adding that not all beaches would be included. Their selection will depend on factors such as tourism intensity, natural characteristics, and the availability of infrastructure such as roads and parking areas.

He identified the construction of tetrapods along beaches during the winter season as a challenge, adding that while this is a common practice worldwide, it is classified as illegal activity under current laws in Bulgaria. Another challenge discussed was the management of seaweed washed ashore. There is currently no legal framework allowing its disposal in landfills, as it is classified as biological waste.

Speaking at Tuesday’s conference, caretaker Environment and Water Minister Petar Dimitrov said that seaweed, as biological waste, is compostable, adding that any municipal landfill equipped with composting facilities should be able to accept it.

/RY/