News

More ambition is needed for circular economy in Bulgaria and in Europe

Za zemiata (“For the Earth”) Association

Dec. 04, 2015

2104

The new set of measures for circular economy, which the European Commission announced yesterday (December 2, 2015) does not live up to the expectations for more ambitious goals for establishing sustainable economy. The present ineffective linear economic model results in more waste products – consumer disposables, fast replaced, short-use objects, which are often not recycled. In the circular economy, materials are reused and are recycled, in order to reduce waste and their negative impact on human health and the environment.

Bicycle procession for the climate

Za zemiata (“For the Earth”) Association

Dec. 01, 2015

41

Today in Sofia the Coalition for the climate-Bulgaria organized a “Bicycle procession for the climate”, which walked by under the motto “100% renewable energy for everybody”. The event was part of the events “March for the climate”, which are organized in hundreds of towns around the world in connection with the world meeting for the climate in Paris which started on the 30th of November. (COP21)

Cyclists and pedestrians took part in the procession, with which Sofia joined in the global appeal to the participants in Paris to reach a real agreement for the fight with the climate changes.

Greenpeace Bulgaria: it is possible that we have a food system without using pesticides

Za zemiata (“For the Earth”) Association

Dec. 01, 2015

64

On November 26, the first Greenpeace Bulgaria conducted forum for ecological farming, under the name “Europe’s addiction to pesticides and how ecological decisions may thrive”, took place. The event drew attention to the issues related to the destructing impact of industrial farming. At the same time, it demonstrated that good ecological farming practices exist and are applied by a number of farmers, including here in Bulgaria.

Young and more experienced biologists built new shelter for the birds of Sofia

Za zemiata (“For the Earth”) Association

Dec. 01, 2015

40

Students and professors from the faculty of Biology at Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" recently created a garden-museum, which with a lot of care and effort has become home for plants, invertebrates and birds. Their project "Starling on the verge" is promoting simple steps to increase biodiversity in urban green spaces and recruit effective methods in conservation.

How to build ourselves a mall on Vitosha – for dummies

Nov. 27, 2015

1547

During the last few days there was a debate whether the new management plan of Vitosha, prepared by Proless engineering with leader Antony Stefanov, allows new construction or not. Imagine that you want to build a mall on Vitosha, here is how to convince yourselves that this would be possible:

So far no response to our demands after meeting with the Ministry of Environment

Nov. 26, 2015

1045

Today representatives of “For the Nature in Bulgaria” Coalition were invited to a meeting by the Ministry of Environment and Water. The meeting focused on the demands of the coalition regarding problems in nature parks Pirin, Vitosha and Rila, which are the reason behind the civil protest tomorrow, November 26.

Second protest in three cities against destruction of Pirin, Vitosha and Rila

Nov. 25, 2015

64

Coalition of NGOs and civic groups “For the Nature in Bulgaria” and citizens have organized a second protest against the destruction of Pirin and Rila National Parks, and Vitosha Nature Park in Sofia, Plovdiv and Ruse on Thursday, November 26, 2015.

Who pushes small and medium scale farmers in the corner?

Nov. 24, 2015

998

Measure 4.2 – Support for local producers and food processors – yes, but is it for everyone or only for the chosen ones

Despite the institutions' public speaking in support of small and medium-sized farmers, in reality we can observe exactly the opposite – big farmers will be prioritized again. This is the warning given by Magardich Huliyan, Green Laws (“Zeleni Zakoni”) expert, who has prepared a detailed analysis and commented on the drafting of a regulation regarding Sub-measure 4.2 “Investment in processing/marketing of agricultural products” under Measure 4 “Investment in tangible assets” of the RDP 2014-2020

Open letter to the Prime Minister for urgent measures for Pirin, Vitosha and Rila. New protest on 26th of November

Nov. 18, 2015

1872

The Coalition of Non-Government Organizations and civic groups “ For the Nature in Bulgaria” sent an open letter to the Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, with a copy to the President Rosen Plevneliev, the Chairman on the National Assembly Tsetska Tsacheva and the General Prosecutor Sotir Tsatsarov, with demands of urgent measures to be taken, considering National Parks “Rila”and “Pirin”and National Park “Vitosha”.

The environmentalists remind of the great danger to lose emblematic protected territories in Bulgaria.

The citizens against the Mafia. Another round!

Nov. 17, 2015

1852

Many times it is has been necessary to go out on streets and bridges, to save our mountains and sea. Vitosha, Rila, Pirin, Strandza, Irakli, Karadere, the forests… Thousands went out on 11th of November 2015 in Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Ruse, Pernik and Sliven!

But not only to rescue trees, that are centuries old - Macedonian Pines, Spruces and Pines in Pirin, Vitosha and Rila from being cut down. This time - to save your country. From the politics, who read the law, like the devil reads the Gospel. From a faces well known, hidden behind Offshore companies, who want again to cut trees and raise constructions.

The renewable energy will help Mediterranean area to deal with economic challenges

Za zemiata (“For the Earth”) Association

Nov. 12, 2015

2346

The renewable energy improves the efficiency, creates new working positions and It is well-founded economic decision for the countries from the Mediterranean, according new reports of “Greenpeace”. The Governments of Croatia, Greece, Italy and Spain can increase energy revolution, by letting mass investments in smaller scales into the solutions for renewable energy and energy efficiency.

'For the Nature in Bulgaria' Coalition and Minister Ivelina Vasileva discussed assessment of EU environmental legislation

Nov. 10, 2015

1245

The coalition of NGOs and civic groups “For the Nature in Bulgaria” and the Minister of Environment and Water Ivelina Vasileva met today to discuss the country's position regarding the assessment of EU environmental legislation (Birds Directive and the Habitats Directive). The assessment process is led by the European Commission and is expected to be completed in 2016.

20 years of GMO failures

Za zemiata (“For the Earth”) Association

Nov. 09, 2015

2063

A new Greenpeace report shows that cultivation of genetically modified (GM) crops leads to increased use of pesticides.

Biotech companies can only ask for reexamination of the applications for national cultivation bans for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) sent by EU governments by the end of the day as the appeal deadline runs out today. Thus, two thirds of the agricultural land in Europe will remain free of GMOs. The growing opposition to GM crops coincides with the release of a new report by Greenpeace, which reviews scientific evidence of the environmental risks, market failures, and the increased use of pesticides associated with GM crops [1">.

Awards for achievements in combating crimes against nature 2015

Bulgarian Society for Protection of Birds/BirdLife Partner

Nov. 03, 2015

1950

The final press conference in the second edition of “I protect the forests and eagles of Bulgaria” campaign, which focuses on prevention of crimes against wildlife, was held on November, 3 at BTA press club. At the event were presented the nominations received this year and the final awards were given away. The campaign is organized by the Executive Forest Agency (EFA) and the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) within “Forests of the eagle”project, which is funded by LIFE + program of the European Union.

State gives away parts of Pirin National Park and Vitosha Nature Park

Nov. 02, 2015

4502

Protest in support of Protected Areas is going to take part in Sofia on November 11, Wednesday

The coalition of NGOs and civic groups “For the Nature in Bulgaria” warns that while the media attention has been focused on the local elections, the illegal activities in Pirin National Park and Vitosha Nature Park are continuing with the knowledge of the Ministry of Environment and Water (MoEW), which is responsible for Pirin, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food (MAF), which is responsible for Vitosha.

Both ministries allow companies without any state property rights and without any payment to the state, to build on public property in violation of the management plans for Pirin National Park and Vitosha Nature Park.

Removed moraines, tree felling, plowing with the excuse of making a forest road

Nov. 02, 2015

2203

Recent photos and a video show what has been happening in Vitosha – removed moraines, tree felling, plowing with the excuse of making a forest road. Are there any state institutions in this country? Any laws? Do these laws apply to offshore companies, which are carrying out construction works in a Bulgarian nature park with impunity?
Photos: http://forthenature.org/gallery/445

Video: https://www.facebook.com/zornitsa.stratieva/videos/vb.764223497/10153679505423498/?type=3&theater
More information on the topic: http://forthenature.org/news/3474

Nine European countries support environmental laws in EU

WWF Danube - Carpathian Programme in Bulgaria

Nov. 02, 2015

1901

Will Bulgaria join the group?

Nine European countries have demanded that the European Commission (EC) should preserve the Birds and Habitats Directives, which are the basis for the European environmental network Natura 2000. This week the environment ministers of Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Romania, Croatia, Luxembourg and Slovenia have sent an open letter to Karmenu Vella, EU Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries and to Frans Timmermans, First Vice-President of the European Commission.

EU environment ministers against changes in Natura 2000 directives

Oct. 27, 2015

1512

Several EU environment ministers (Germany, France, Spain, Croatia, Italy, Slovenia, Poland, and Romania) are against changes in Birds and Habitats Directives and call for full implementation of the directives.

UN gives last chance to Bulgaria to ensure access to justice in town and country planning

Oct. 22, 2015

66

At present local authorities approve illegally construction in protected areas, but this cannot be appealed against.

The coalition of non-governmental organisations and civil groups “Let Nature Remain in Bulgaria” warns that with a report from October 20, 2015, the Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee at the UN gives Bulgaria a new deadline, the year end, till which time the State has to implement legal measures for ensuring access to justice at approving area development plans (Master Plans and detailed site development plans) and issuing licenses for construction as per the Spatial Planning Act (SPA).

A serious concern is expressed in the letter, since such measures should have been adopted by the State back in 2013 and 2014, right after the Committee had twice established that Bulgarian legislature had violated the regulations of the Aarhus Convention regarding the access to justice at spatial planning.

Greenpeace tests conclude: A cocktail of pesticides in apples sold in supermarkets

Za zemiata (“For the Earth”) Association

Oct. 21, 2015

1829

Supermarkets ought to remove pesticides from the production of fruit and vegetables

Not one of the tested biological apples that we tested contains pesticides. At the same time, 83% of the tested conventionally produced apples are contaminated with pesticides. Sixty percent of them contain two or more cocktails of pesticides. This is the result from the tests of apples, conducted in the supermarkets of 11 European countries, including Bulgaria. The tests are published by Greenpeace [1">. Half of discovered pesticides are toxic for water organisms, like water fleas and fish, or for bees and other useful insects. Many of the pesticides accumulate in the organism or can have an impact on reproduction [2">, which means misgivings about human health cannot be discarded. Greenpeace urges supermarkets to gradually get rid of pesticides in fruit and vegetables, as well as to assist agricultural producers to adopt ecological practices.