Coalition of Non-governmental Organizations
LET NATURE REMAIN IN BULGARIA
www.forthenature.org
HELP APPEAL FROM BULGARIA
SACRED RILA LAKES IN DANGER
To Concerned Members of the World Community,
In recent years, the most important national treasure of Bulgaria, its NATURE, has suffered terrible devastation. In face of large-scale, international environmental concerns, including the crisis of global warming and the ongoing destruction of natural habitats, the unscrupulous destruction of wild nature and the biodiversity of Bulgaria is scandalous. Permitting their irreplaceable loss would be irresponsible.
Crimes against nature in Bulgaria are going unpunished. This deprives native people of economic opportunities through sustainable developing, while impacting the health of the planet as a whole. The European continent depends upon the rich biodiversity of the protected areas, unique to this region.
After transforming the beauty of the Black Sea Coast into a strip of concrete hotels, investors now plan to do the same with the Bulgarian Mountains. More than 12 large-scale ski resort projects have been documented by NGOs and environmental organizations, posing a severe threat to local ecosystems. Many of the planned constructions are in or near protected areas, impacting century old forests, important aquiferous zones, and rich biodiversity. Some ski area developments are even proposed for areas with low annual snowfall.
Due to the seriousness of the given problem, 17 NGOs have united to form the coalition LET NATURE REMAIN IN BULGARIA. Our goal is to protect nature and culture in Bulgaria, battling these crimes against both. Unfortunately, environmentalists have received little support from Bulgarian state and municipal institutions, who prefer to do business with shady investors. We must force these institutions to fulfill their duty to Bulgaria and protect the natural patrimony of the country. Soon, it may be too late.
Currently the most disturbing case is the advancing illegal construction of a mega-ski area complex (Panichishte – Rila Lakes – Kabul Peak) on the territory of Rila National Park and in an area of exceptional biodiversity, “Rila-buffer” zone (BG0001188). Recently “Rila-buffer” was excluded from NATURA 2000 network, despite ample scientific evidence, because of pressure from the current investments. Following the site"s omission, the sale of holiday apartments in the former buffer area began. The new development, scheduled for completion in 2010, is being promoted to foreign buyers, who are largely unaware of the ecological value of these areas. Moreover, they are set to lose a lot of money investing in a potentially illegal development.
If this development is not stopped, the area will follow the patterns of environmental destruction in Bansko and Pirin National Park. Tremendous ecological problems, including uncontrolled erosion, clear cutting of century old, rare trees, and fragmentation of ecological systems. In the nearby towns, floods have impacted people’s houses and fouled water sources. Will Bulgaria choose to deforest its protected areas, construct mega-hotel complexes, and then consider the impact later? Will the world community allow this to happen?
We need your help to act quickly to save the Rila Lakes and enchanting nature of the Rila Mountains from destruction. If you are interested in helping, please let us know. We need concerned people to spread the word about this devastation. Also, if you can share experiences that may help our cause, we would love to hear from you. FOR THE NATURE is devoted to preserving the sacred beauty of natural places and protecting the nature of our beautiful planet. Have a wonderful day!!
Sincerely,
The team of LET NATURE REMAIN IN BULGARIA
Contacts: contact@forthenature.org, cveta.hristova@gmail.com, blueprints@abv.bg
HELP APPEAL FROM BULGARIA
Nov. 13, 2007
1105