Environmentalists push for quick legislative changes to save Strandja Nature Park from urbanization

After six years of disputes and turns in the case against construction of Strandja Nature Park at January 15, 2014 the Supreme Administrative Court allowed construction along the park. The decision to allow the entry into force of the master plan of Tsarevo municipality , even though the court itself acknowledges the fact that the plan is void ( invalid ) and approved without an environmental assessment . Only such a comprehensive evaluation can ensure the protection of Strandja Nature Park and the protected areas of European Natura 2000 network in Tsarevo Municipality.

As a result, Bulgaria is facing unprecedented legal absurd, which is collapse of public confidence in the state and the rule of law. General and detailed plans will be able to act without due consultation by law - environmental, cultural monuments of the available infrastructure , security and defense , etc.
This will lead to the resumption of criminal procedure and financial sanctions from side of European Commission due to serious violation of EU environmental legislation.
Coalition "For the Nature in Bulgaria" faces round to:

- Parliament to make urgent legislative amendments to the Law on Spatial Planning Act and the Black Sea coast:
1. General development plans approved without an environmental assessment under the Act on the Protection of the Environment and Biodiversity Act, be declared null and void.
2. The concerned public shall be entitled to seek judicial protection against acts under the Law on Spatial Planning Act and the Black Sea coast that violate environmental laws.
- Prime Minister carries out the personal changes into the Ministry of Environment and Water and the Ministry of Regional Development , which could be released personalities that led to the actions of the two ministries , putting at risk the European Commission to stop all funding under the Structural and Cohesion Funds . These employees obviously do not respect national and European law and are committed to adopt general plans throughout the country without due acceptance and procedures related to environmental , health and cultural heritage.
We expect the above changes to take place within 10 days , because at any moment may be issued a new permit for construction such as " Golden Pearl ". Moreover, municipalities are able to issue development plans across the country without the required procedures.

Requests for solving the problem are addressed to the Chief Prosecutor and the Ombudsman.

We urge citizens to express their position in defense of the Bulgarian nature of the protests . Tonight from 18 to clock in Burgas and January 28, 2014 , Tuesday in Sofia , Plovdiv, Burgas, Ruse, Sliven . Details will be announced separately.