“First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.”

These words of Mahatma Gandi were quoted yesterday at a peaceful Meeting- Procession in Sofia.

The cause - Bulgarian Nature and Freedom of Speech provoked more than 1000 people to march the streets of Sofia.



Earlier the same day, the Parliament voted an ammendment to the law for Protected Teritorries by virtue of which the status of the Nature Park Strandja was protected. This mixed victory was coupled with a rejection to restore the status of the "Kamchia Sands" protected zone, which was removed last year using the same technique as the "investors" used to challenge Strandja.
Sounds like a confirmation to the information we heard that "Kamchia Sands" investors are very highly weaved within members of the Government.... Further rumors say that the resort planned to be built there is related to Mr. Luzhkov and Mr. Putin....


The formation of civil position on the most pressing problems in the country was evolving in the past 7-8 months. Last night the protesters rejected to be tagged any longer with the somewhat negletful "Natureprotectors" and reminded that they are on the street as citizens of the Republic of Bulgaria. They were forced to shout their position. The encroachment is not only upon nature, but also upon freedom of speech and democracy.


Many of the marchers were having their mouths glued to underline their disagreement with the improper interference of CDFOC (Chief Directorate for Fight with Organized Crime) who has summoned one of the blogger , reporting about the civil actions related to Strandja.


The energy that's floating in these people has the potential to stop furter shameful practices in the country. Seems we are starting to outlive the slavery mindset, that nothing is in the hands of the individual. Strandja case is an illustrative example of the familiar quote "Ask and it will be given to you".



Some of the requested actions are:
- Removal of the debris of the illegal construction of company Crash 2000 in Stranja Nature Park. "Kamchia Sands" to be restored as a protected area.
- No new ski tracks and facilities in Rila National Park. The ones that applied for Enviromental Impact Assessment for Panichiste and peak Kabul to receive negative answer.
The crowd asked several times for resignation...and has expressed committment to continue with the peaceful struggle until necessary.



Some faces and highlights of the day


Representative of the "retired people for solidarity" showed their appreciation.


WE HAVE FAITH AND HOPE IN TODAYS YOUTH THAT WE SHALL REGAIN CONSCIOUSNESS AND START TO FIGHT AND DREAM AGAIN.

Another 3rd age lady is slightly more entrepreneuriual:


Some of the youngest participants are already dreaming



In conclusion - we say out loud WE ARE CONSCIOUS OF THE VIOLATIONS AND CRIME. WE WANT THESE TO STOP NOW. TOGETHER WE SHALL AVOID THIS GRIM SCENARIO:



and WE SHALL keep nature intact.


Come next time and bring a friend with you
http://savestrandja.ludost.net/
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Anual cleaning of National Park Pirin - July 26th -29th.