The European Commission might request the inclusion of a higher percentage of Bulgaria’s territory in the European environment network Natura 2000.

In case the percentage that Cabinet suggests for inclusion is not supported by convincing scientific analysis, EC might request modifications, Deputy Environment and Water Affairs Minister Yordan Dardov said.

Dardov met in Bourgas regional representatives to discuss the inclusion of coastal areas in the environmental network, Darik Radio reported.

A final list with all territories offered for inclusion will be presented to the EC. Once the lists received EC approval, the process itself was going to start, Darik reported.

Nearly 90 per cent of Tsarevo municipality is to become part of Natura 2000, mayor Petko Arnaudov said. Arnaudov called for the exclusion of one per cent of the territories, located close to the Black Sea coast.

During the talks ministers said that all urban areas will be taken out of the network. Inclusion of land in Natura 2000 is going to keep the terrains’ owners unchanged.

Complete construction bans would not be introduced. Previously, property owners protested against Natura 2000 because of the limitations inclusion of terrains in the network was expected to bring about.

Natura 2000 caused heated debates in Bulgaria. Environmentalists called for higher inclusion, while property owners and business representatives said that percentage of territories to become part of the network should be minimal.