"It is encouraging to see the extent to which the public is sensitive to the topic of nature conservation" - said Vesselina Kavrakova, program director of WWF-Bulgaria. In 2014 WWF asked if Bulgarians think that nature protection hinders economic development. 31% answered "on the contrary, it helps" and 39% responded that at least it does not interfere, and 70% believe that conservation is not an obstacle to economic prosperity. "This supports our view that the opposition of economy and conservation is incorrect, and that protecting nature can be a good source for development in the future" - pointed out Kavrakova.
"Since 2006, we see persistent public opinion on several topics – first and foremost - forest clearings and secondly, the construction - Stanislav Stoyanov from" Alpha Research" reflects on the results. The forest is a resource that is visible everywhere in the country and what happens to it is most noticeable to the average person. Observations of the media indicate that the debate about the construction in protected areas is seen more as a conflict between two parties. "Our studies over the years indicate that public opinion is not as radically divided - notes Stoyanov. – According to the people, economy and ecology are not directly opposed. People rather perceive the economy and ecology as something that can and should go hand in hand."
The study makes clear that green organizations continue to enjoy the greatest trust among organizations and institutions that are supposed to take care of the nature. Following expectations towards them, the Bulgarians are expecting more involvement by municipalities and mayors, and in third place – by the national institutions. Business and political parties owe a lot to nature - Bulgarians have their hopes very low that these two groups will make efforts towards nature conservation.
Bulgarians are against logging and construction in the mountains
