Residents of the Razlog region protested for nearly two hours against the introduction of Natura 2000 ecological network in Bulgaria.

During a municipal council meeting, Razlog officials voted that a number of terrains initially offered for inclusion in Natura 2000 should be excluded from the list.

All of these areas were outside the Rila and Pirin national parks. Officials said that the territories should not become part of Natura 2000 because of the high investor interest.

Residents of southeast Bulgarian towns were disappointed with the lack of clarity and information on the introduction of Natura 2000, Focus news agency reported quoting municipal sources.

Environmental protection was needed but at the same time it should not hinder business development in Bulgarian regions, officials said.

The protesters said that they would continue demonstrating until their demands were met. A meeting is scheduled for January 10 in Blagoevgrad, where Environment and Water Affairs Ministry representatives are expected to give people explanations.