The new ski runs, road and lift in the Chalin Valog area near Bansko mountain resort were built illegally, 17 ecological organisations said.

In 2001, Environment and Water Affairs Ministry issued a permit only for re-cultivation of the ski tracks, instead, they were widened and extended, the economists said as quoted by investor.bg.

According to the list of permits issued by the Ministry for the ski zone Bansko, the ski lift in Chalin Valog did not have an environmental impact evaluation.

On November 13 2007, ecologist coalition Save Pirin recorded law violations in the area in the presence of European Media, investor.bg said.

The European Commission Environment General Directorate representatives Ladislav Miko and Andras Demeter had also examined the area.

More than 12 projects for new ski resorts threaten Bulgaria’s national parks, the ecologists said.