“RIEW-Blagoevgrad has started a penal administrative procedure under the Protected Areas Act for violations in the “Melnik Pyramids” protected area. The prosecutor’s office and the police are also investigating the case on data about a Criminal Code crime, while the MOEW will exercise its powers in respect to the committed administrative violation,” stated Deputy Prime Minister for Climate Policy and Minister of Environment and Water Borislav Sandov during an on-site inspection in the protected area. According to the Minister, this will lead to a penalty fine for the company that owns the construction equipment, which was filmed at the scene of the violation.

“We will not allow the destruction of Bulgaria’s natural heritage, because this is the best foundation for tourism and we are obliged to preserve it for future generations,” stated the Minister, adding that the “Melnik Pyramids” are a unique place and should be protected and preserved, not destroyed in someone’s interest. “Tourists come to Melnik because of the natural and cultural wealth, not because of the availability of parking lots,” he said.

Last year on a signal by Minister Sandov, a violation was established in the protected area - natural landmark “Melnik Pyramids”, which falls within two protected zone under
“NATURA 2000”.

At the time, the Minister ordered an immediate inspection by RIEW-Blagoevgrad and the relevant institutions.

“We will continue to monitor. We learned about this case from a signal. We are wait on other signals so that we can react. This is our job and we are ready to do it,” said Minister Sandov.