SHPP without a license may dry up Kamenishki waterfalls in Belasitsa

The construction of a SHPP on the river of Kameshnitsa will cause a considerable impairment of the protected territories in Belasitsa Natural Park and BG 0000167 “Belasitsa” protected zone, part of Natura 2000, EU nature protection network. This would violate the regulations of the Ordinance for declaring a protected area and the requirements for protection of natural habitats and of the Water Act.

For the local people, the implementation of this investment project means a deficit of water resources, less opportunities for development of tourism in the beautiful mountain, and for the nature – disappearance of flora and fauna species inhabiting the rivers, as well as a significant impairment of river habitats.

Kameshnitsa River is among the bigger rivers in Belasitsa Natura Park, and its significance for the life of the people is huge. It provides drinking water to people and animals, and the fertility of the region of Belasitsa depends on it. Kamenishki Waterfall is one of the most popular and visited tourist attractions on the territory of Belasitsa Natural Park. There is an educational trail “The Secrets of Water” developed there.

As of the present moment, the Ministry of Environment and Water has an issued Decision No51-ОС/2011, with which it has coordinated a project for construction of a SHPP on Kameshnitsa River above the highest and beautiful waterfall in the Bulgarian part of Belasitsa – Kamenishki Waterfall. A license for water use was issued, which expired on 19.07.2015, without any actions for the construction of the SHPP initiated.

The Association of Parks in Bulgaria calls for saving the waterfalls along Kamenishka River, by signing the online petition:
https://secure.avaaz.org/en/petition/DO_MINISTERSKI_SVET_DA_SPASIM_KAMEShNIShKITE_VODOPADI/?pv=4

Let Nature Remain in Bulgaria Coalition sent a signal about this case to the Premier of Bulgaria, Mr. Boiko Borisov

Text: Association of Parks in Bulgaria
Photo: Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation