Proposals to the New Parliament and Government regarding issues for Bulgarian nature conservation

To the new Parliament and Government, they proposed establishment of an agency at the Council of
Ministers to protect the natural and cultural heritage. These places are public state property, but because
they are subordinated to different institutions are often subject to abuse due to political and economic
pressure by certain public and private companies.
Coalition "For the Nature" sought publicity of all documentation of municipalities and central authorities
that create rights and obligations regarding state and municipal property and affect sites of the national
ecological network.
Environmentalists once again insisted on amending the Spatial Development Act as required by the
ratified by Bulgaria Aarhus Convention which entitles citizens to access information and appeal against
Acts of municipalities and central authorities related to the conservation of nature. This will allow time for
a reaction prior to the point at which the excavators start to dig.
Coalition "For the Nature" suggested to be terminated the preliminary execution of Administrative-
Procedural Code in relation to administrative Acts related to environment, cultural heritage and human
health. For that reason, for instance, it was allowed to be built cableway in Pirin National Park although it
did not have all the necessary documents. Barely two years later the Supreme Administrative Court
decided that the installation is illegal.
Environmentalists also insisted the state accept an administrative act that exchanges of forests are state aid
and request the acquirers to cover the payment difference up to the market value at the time of the
transaction or return them to the state.
These proposals will be formally submitted to the Commissions at the New Parliament and Government
when the latter become operational.