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Pirin news
PIRIN - a world heritage site or a ski resort
The unique nature of one of the most majestic mountains on the Balkan peninsula is preserved in the Pirin National Park. Since 1983 the park is inscribed in the list of UNESCO's convention on conservation of world cultural and natural heritage. This way, Bulgaria carries the heavy responsibility for preserving the living heritage of the mountain. In blatant violation of the high national and international status the Bulgarian Ministry of the Environment and Waters issued a Decision for the construction of three new ski runs and facilities in the heart of Pirin -the valley of the Banderitsa river.
Their construction will lead to clear cutting of significant areas covered with incredible century old spruce trees, Macedonian pines and mountain pines forests. Populations of animal and plant species in the area will be threatened including species from the IUCN Red List and the Bern Convention. Steep slopes will be threatened by erosion. The new ski runs will have a very negative overall effect on the landscape of the biggest valley in the Park. The project is in violation of the the Protected Areas Act and the Nature Protection Act.
Within the boundaries of the Park a ski-zone was illegally constructed in the 1980-ties above the town of Bansko. In recent years under the pressure of private business union a campaign for enlargement of the ski-zone was started.
The Pirin Park has a very high national and international conservation status (it is included in the World Heritage List of the World Heritage Convention).
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