Protest and Counter-Protest over Expansion of Bansko Ski Zone

New protests "for" and "against" the expansion of the ski zone in Bulgaria’s winter resort Bansko were held in the morning on 28^th of December. Ecologists protested outside the building of the Council of Ministers against plans to build new facilities. Residents of Bansko, Razlog and the surrounding area temporarily closed the international road E-79 near Simitli asking for the ski zone to be expanded.

The two protests took place ahead of the cabinet’s regular meeting, at which it is expected to decide on the future of Bansko Ski Area Concession Agreement and Pirin Nature Park Management Plan.

The cabinet postponed the decision several times. On 12 December, the Minister of Environment and Water Neno Dimov at the last minute withdrew the item from the agenda regarding the change of the concession of Bansko ski zone.

He motivated his decision by saying that it was necessary the chages to the concession agreement of the ski area to go along with the change of the Pirin Park Management Plan, the public discussion for which was finalised on 22 December.

Outside the Council of Ministers this morning, environmentalists insisted on observing the environmental legislation and preserving Pirin as a unique natural site. They did not know whether the case would be considered at the meeting.

Residents from Bansko area requested the construction of a second cabin lift. At 10:00, they blocked the main E-79 road near Simitli for about 20 minutes.

In the event of a possible investment interest, a second ski lift will be built in Bansko, taking into account all environmental legislation., Bulgaria’s minister of environment and water. Neno Dimov, said on 28th of December. New protests "for" and "against" the expansion of the ski zone in Bulgaria’s winter resort Bansko were held in the morning on 28^th of December. Ecologists protested outside the building of the Council of Ministers against plans to build new facilities. Residents of Bansko, Razlog and the surrounding area temporarily closed the international road E-79 near Simitli asking for the ski zone to be expanded.

The two protests took place ahead of the cabinet’s regular meeting, at which it is expected to decide on the future of Bansko Ski Area Concession Agreement and Pirin Nature Park Management Plan.

The cabinet postponed the decision several times. On 12 December, the Minister of Environment and Water Neno Dimov at the last minute withdrew the item from the agenda regarding the change of the concession of Bansko ski zone.

He motivated his decision by saying that it was necessary the chages to the concession agreement of the ski area to go along with the change of the Pirin Park Management Plan, the public discussion for which was finalised on 22 December.

Outside the Council of Ministers this morning, environmentalists insisted on observing the environmental legislation and preserving Pirin as a unique natural site. They did not know whether the case would be considered at the meeting.

Residents from Bansko area requested the construction of a second cabin lift. At 10:00, they blocked the main E-79 road near Simitli for about 20 minutes.

In the event of a possible investment interest, a second ski lift will be built in Bansko, taking into account all environmental legislation., Bulgaria’s minister of environment and water. Neno Dimov, said on 28th of December.