Bulgaria still lacks criteria for the inclusion of territories in Natura 2000 environmental network, Environment and Water Affairs Minister Djevdet Chakurov said.

European Union (EU) had a set of established criteria, Chakurov told national private channel bTV. Criteria include 140 habitats and more than 600 species for protection.

Bulgarian authorities are still elaborating the criteria to be used for the introduction of the network in the country.

Chakurov said that Bulgaria failed informing people of Natura 2000 consequences, but people knew what was going on.

Natura 2000 connects preserved area in the EU and its introduction is a pre-condition for accession to the union. Bulgaria failed preparing a list of the areas to be included in the network before its EU entry.

Chakurov said that almost all EU member states had problems introducing the network. Germany also saw anti-Natura 2000 protests.

The introduction of the network will not lead to construction bans, which was the main fear of land owners, Chakurov told BTV.