Residents of the Razlog region threatened to initiate 10-hour long blockade of the road leading to Bansko, in case their demands on the introduction of Natura 2000 environmental network were not met.

Protesters said that they opposed the manner in which the Environment and Water Affairs Ministry tried to impose the decision.

Residents of southwest Bulgarian town demanded a meeting with Environment and Water Affairs Minister Djevdet Chakurov on January 19. In case the meeting fails taking place, the people will close the road to Bansko, Focus news agency reported.

Demonstrations took place on January 18 in front of the Council of Ministers building in Sofia.

Some of the slogans protesters used included We Protect our Land and Natura 2000- Cage for People.

More than 2000 people from the Razlog region traveled to Sofia to take part in the protest. According to municipal representatives the inclusion of territories in the environmental protection network would push away investors and would hinder the development of the region.