WWF-Bulgaria and the Association of Parks in Bulgaria receive prize for their campaign to save Pirin National Park
The most successful campaign related to biodiversity and climate protection
WWF-Bulgaria and the Association of Parks in Bulgaria received a prize this week for the most successful campaign related to biodiversity and climate protection in recognition of their hard -fought campaign to save Pirin National Park. This recognition is not just for these two NGOs, but for all the Bulgarian and global citizens, partners and celebrities who joined forces in the remarkable Pirin campaign to make a stand for nature and for the rule of law. In 2017, the two organisations filed a lawsuit against the Bulgarian Ministry of Environment and Water‘s decision not to conduct an environmental impact assessment (#EIA) for Pirin National Park’s new management plan. On April 29, 2020 the Supreme Administrative Court finally ended the three-year court saga by rejecting the Ministry’s decision. Thus, the new management which would have allowed for construction in 66% and tree felling in 48% of the park, WILL NOT COME INTO FORCE. This is a huge victory for environmental organisations, as the court's decision will set an important precedent for the protection of all other protected areas in the country. The Biodiversity and Climate Awards are presented annually as part of a national competition organised by the Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation.
Pirin Protest in Sofia
The court's decision will set an important precedent for the protection of all other protected areas in the country.