Nearly 23 per cent of the Bulgarian territory will become part of Natura 2000 environmental network, Deputy Environment and Water Affairs Minister Chavdar Georgiev said.

The figure will not be as high as the initially announced 30 per cent, Georgiev said as quoted by Focus news agency.

Once the decision was taken, it was going to be open to talks and modifications, said Georgiev. The ministry would accept the minimal inclusion in the network, though a number of options were considered, said he.

Nearly 20 terrains were still subjected to discussion, said Georgiev. Initially 114 areas were offered for inclusion, Deputy Environment and Water Affairs Minister Yordan Dardov said.

The decision was based on European Commission criteria that were entirely scientific, said Dardov. Accepting Natura 2000 was obligation of all EU member countries, he said.

Hristina Genova, head of Varna’s bio-diversity regional office said that the introduction of the network was not going to limit the usage of agricultural land.

Investment and projects needed to undergo inspection concerning the environmental consequences but could be carried out, said Genova.

A number of municipalities and businesses protested against the introduction of the network, as it would impose some restrictions to activities in the protected areas.

Genova said that construction was not going to be banned, only monitored.