Bulgarian Minister Describes Bansko’s Operating Contract as ‘Absurd’
Bulgarian Minister Describes Bansko’s Operating Contract as ‘Absurd’
Published : 29-Nov-2011 02:34
The Bulgarian Government's Environment Minister, Nona Karadzhova, has described the contact which allows the Yulen company, operators of pistes and lifts at Bansko, often referred to as the leading resort in Eastern Europe, as 'absurd.'
Earlier this year Karadzhova angered Bulgarian environmental groups by finally confirming that some of the lifts and runs at Bansko had been built illegally on national parkland that is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, but then saying the Bulgarian government would not make the company remove the lifts and pistes but would instead change their operating agreement to make the illegal construction, legal.
The long-running arguments between environmental grounds and Bansko's operators stretch back for nearly 10 years and at various times have seen UNESCO threaten to downgrade the park's status and concerned EC ministers say they'd 'keep an eye on it.'
Currently Karadzhova says an assessment is being made as to exactly how much piste Bansko offers, with estimates varying between 90 and 130km. Once that process has been completed the illegal construction will be made legal by changing the terms of Yulen's operating license. Local media reports that the Bulgarian cabinet has already suggested amendments which will make the illegal use of 65 hectares of the Pirin National Park by Yulen.
The legal position is that Bulgaria's government can either terminate Yulen's contract or amend it. Termination would, it is said, lead to the closure of Bansko's ski slopes for 5 – 6 years.
Environmentalists have called for Karadzhova's resignation and promised huge protests on the areas of Pirin National Park where Bansko's lifts and runs extend illegally.
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