According to a report from the Ministry of Environment and water, two ski slopes and one lift in the Bansko ski zone are outlawed

According to the report of the Environmental ministry, the Shiligarnik -2
and Strajite ski slopes and the Jelezen Most-Platoto ski lift are not part
of the concession agreement with “Ulen” Ltd., nor provided in the
Management Plan of the Pirin* *National Park, nor in the territorial
development plan (TDP) and the evaluation for environmental impact
assessment (EIA) to it in 2000. Also, “public acts issued by MEW under
regulations to the Environmental Protection Law and the Protected Areas Act
are unavailable, therefore unable to be reconciled."

Environmentalists point out that yesterday’s decision of the Supreme
Administrative Court showed that the Platoto ski lift in the Bansko ski
zone is outlawed because of the exact same reasons.

Coalition “Let the NATURE remain in Bulgaria” questions when there will be
punished state officials for the complete absence of interest in what is
happening over the past 10 years in Pirin and how there can be so many
offences against the law in one of the country’s national parks with
highest level of nature protection?

Coalition “Let the NATURE remain in Bulgaria” demands for immediate
assumption of responsibility by the Deputy Environmental Minister Evdokia
Maneva (in the government of GERB and the interim government, as well as
Minister when the Bansko ski zone is admitted) and the Director of the
National Nature Protection Service Mihail Mihaylov.

Coalition “Let the NATURE remain in Bulgaria” continues to insist for the
cancellation of the concession for the Bansko ski zone in the Pirin
National Park, for penalties for all offences committed, and for avoidance
of any change in the management plan of the Pirin National Park, allowing
new construction in it and leading to further controversy.



Additional information:

- The online petition in protection of the Pirin National Park can be found
here: http://causes.com/actions/1728829

So far we have collected over 40,000 signatures online and on paper.
- Public-sector analyzes, documents and decisions of the competent
authorities, which suggest for serious violations in the implementation of
the concession agreement for the Bansko ski zone:
http://forthenature.org/documents/category/27