Protected Territory List Disappoints Environmentalists And Investors

"The dispute is over Natura 2000, an environmental network of protected sites and the cornerstone European Union legislation on nature- and biodiversity-protection."

"Like all new EU entrants since 1992, when the enabling legislation was passed, Bulgaria was supposed to submit its proposed list of protected territories when it joined the EU, on Jan. 1, 2007."

"Finally approved by the cabinet on Feb. 15, the list pleased no one. Environmental activists are demanding that more territory be included. Investors and property- owners are fighting to keep their lands out, complaining that plans to compensate them fall far short of giving them fair value for their land."

"While accenting the importance of protecting Bulgaria's rich biodiversity for future generations, Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev said there was also 'the necessity to guarantee the conditions for stable and quick economic development for our country in its various regions and to defend investor interest which has been shown or is already being realized.'"