Rila mountain needs your help - 22 August, 12 o'clock

Exactly one year after the first protests in Rila, the construction activities go on, while the ministers and all state institutions remain silent. The Minister of Environment and Water just recently expressed his disapproval of the Detailed Zoning Plan of Panichishte and repealed that part of it which envisaged the appropriation of 24 decares of land from the territory of Rila National Park for the construction of hotels. This however does not mean the construction of the lift and of the ski resort “Panichishte-The Lakes-Kabul” (which will spread on a territory of 2400 decares) has been stopped!

The documents and maps show beyond doubt that the construction in Rila violates a number of laws. More than 150,000 petition signatures of Bulgarian and foreign citizens insist that the construction be stopped. The European Union began an infringement procedure against Bulgaria. The Bulgarian state institutions couldn’t care less.

If the institutions and responsible ministers do not appear for the field inspection, we will demand the resignation of the whole cabinet. Five months ago, we already called upon the Minister of Environment and Water to resign.

When?

August 22, 2008, 12:00 pm

Where?

Bottom station of ski lift Pionerska hut – Rilski Ezera hut

What?

Citizens and journalists will check together how the ministers do their job and ensure law is abided by. All institutions in charge of stopping the illegal construction have been invited for a field inspection at the bottom ski lift station on the same date and time. Invitations have been sent to all responsible representatives of the executive and the judiciary, as well as to all Members of Parliament. We will present to them our vision for Rila and the National Park and will tell them how we can develop in harmony with nature and in accord with everyone’s interests.

The Route:

After the inspection and the action at the bottom ski lift station, you can join us for a hike to the barrier that marks the beginning of Rila National Park where we will check whether motor vehicles continue entering the Park despite the ban. On our way, we will see the cuttings of trees for future ski runs.

Bring your own balloons and/or kites and decorate them with your own message to Save Rila!

Send your friends in the mountain an SMS with the following text: "Join us for an action to Save Rila on August 22, at 12 pm at Pionerska hut above Panichishte!"