Protests against construction in Rila National Park

16:55 Thu 24 Jan 2008 - Elitsa Grancharova

Photo: Elitsa Grancharova

On January 23, about 1000 protesters gathered in Sofia for a protest against planned construction of tourist facilities in Rila National Park.

The demonstration was themed “We want our mountain alive” and included koukeri (traditional Bulgarian mummers), cavers, mountain trekkers, skiers, snowboarders, alpinists and “optimists”. During the evening, the illuminated parade lit up Sofia's night streets to “bring light on the way of our deluded country, which destroys its only real wealth; our nature,” a media statement by the protesters said.

The protest was a response to build facilities in the Seven Lakes of Rila region in the national park, an area that has strong symbolic value for Bulgarians. Organisers said that construction projects were planned for "each and every mountain in Bulgaria".

The demonstration started with a meeting at 5.30pm in front of Sofia University and proceeded with a parade passing Alexander Nevski Cathedral, Alexander Battenberg and Sveta Nedelya Squares, Vitosha Boulevard and finished in front of the National Palace of Culture (NDK) at about 8pm.

Alpinists climbed the NDK main entrance and hung a banner reading “Rila hangs by a thread”. The protesters wore sports equipment and outfits with skis, snowboards, forehead torches and goggles.

During the march, the koukeri danced to music played live on wooden flutes and drums and several fire shows were performed. Protesters shouted “Rila is dear to us” and “We want nature”.

Represented at the protest were Daspasimirakli.com (Let’s save Irakli), the To Sustain Nature in Bulgaria coalition, association Bikevolution, civil environmental gateway to Bulgaria Bluelink.net, Bulgaria Society for the Protection of Birds, Iskampriroda.org (I want nature) and cave and othe sport clubs.

Comments

Comments by peter - 18:17 25 Jan 2008
	Bravo, to protest for life in BG mountains, but why do all the people protesting leave all their garbadge in places where they shouldn's?? In my opinion it's the same people protesting here that ruin Bulgaria's beautyfull nature. Before complaining about killing nature, wake up yourself and see what you are doing to this great country!!
Comments by F Cameron - 14:05 02 Mar 2008
	You have a beautiful country but Bulgaria has a duty to all those that believed the boast that Bansko would attract visitors by the improved amenities. The fact is Bansko Municipality has ruined the town as it has allowed too many planning pemits. It seems obvious that even if a stoppage has been made these sites not yet built on will no doubt be developed in due course but it is dwellings for workers that Bansko needs and a clean air lifestyle can be a bonus for workers if the Government plan for work of the kind that remains for 12 months of the year. I have never been to a ski area where I felt it spoiled the landscape as any mountain that is covered with treees is not so attractive to the eye as where you see the snow areas that along with rock faces give it that special look. Moreover these ski lifts give everyone the chance to see the real mountain without being a member of the Mountain Climers Club. It also encourages tourists in the summer and that always helps to provide jobs for the people. I do have to agree that all development should be done legally.