10,256 signatures
Collection finished
Petition is addressed to: Европейската комисия, Министерски съвет на Република България, Министерстшо на околната среда и водите, Министерство на земеделието, Министерство на енергетиката, Община Аврен
🔔 To the European Commission, the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria, the Ministry of Environment and Water, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Energy, the Municipality of Avren, and everyone who believes that a sustainable future cannot be built on destroyed nature:
In Northeastern Bulgaria, within the territory of Avren Municipality, lie valuable forest ecosystems and a section of one of the most important bird migration routes in Europe – Via Pontica. These natural resources hold both national and international significance for biodiversity conservation and ecological balance in the Black Sea region. It is here that the construction of a large-scale wind energy park is being planned. At first glance – a "green" initiative. But the reality is alarming:
- Over 300 decares of forests are set to be cut down – forests that play a crucial role in ecosystem functioning, climate regulation, and water retention;
- The project is located in close proximity to Natura 2000 protected areas and directly crosses Via Pontica – one of the most critical bird migration corridors in Europe;
- It involves heavy industrial infrastructure in a natural area, with insufficient environmental assessments, monitoring, or public consent.
⚠️ This is not green energy. This is industrial encroachment that threatens biodiversity, the future of the local community, and internationally recognized natural treasures.
✍️ With this petition, we, the citizens of Bulgaria and Europe, demand:
- A moratorium on all projects affecting forests in the region until a full assessment of the cumulative impact on nature and the migratory route is conducted;
- Immediate suspension of the procedure for amending the General Development Plan (GDP) of Avren Municipality;
- A full and independent Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), including compatibility assessment with Natura 2000, prior to any planning or implementation of the investment intention;
- A real, transparent public consultation involving the local community, scientists, and environmentalists;
- Consideration of alternative locations outside sensitive ecological and migratory zones.
Sign the petition to safeguard nature and the migratory route!
Reason
📊 What is at stake?
- Habitats of endangered species, including the Egyptian vulture and the lesser spotted eagle;
- The annual migration of over 1.2 million birds, including 90% of the European white stork population and 100% of the European pink pelican population. The region is a key zone for over 70 species of soaring and water-dependent birds, more than 30 of which are listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species;
- The increasing cumulative effect is worrying: wind farms already exist along Via Pontica – in Shabla, Kaliakra, and other parts of Dobruja. Data from observations and scientific publications indicate rising mortality rates among soaring birds, especially among the young and inexperienced;
- Contradiction with the local renewable energy strategy, which deems the area unsuitable for large wind parks due to low wind potential;
- Risk of international sanctions – Bulgaria is in breach of obligations under the Convention on Migratory Species, the Bern Convention, and several EU environmental standards;
- Risk to the health and safety of the local population.
🌍 This is not just a local battle – it is a battle for the nature of Bulgaria and Europe.
The forest is not just trees – it is home, a climate stabilizer, a water source, and air to breathe.
Via Pontica is not just a path – it is life for millions of creatures.
The decisions we make today will echo through the future of the entire continent.
📣 Sign and share the petition!
So the voice of nature can be heard.
To prove that Bulgaria can choose truly sustainable solutions, not fake “green” projects.
To keep our country green, alive, and fair – for everyone.
Nature has no voice – you are its voice.
✍️ Sign. 🔄 Share. 🌳 Protect Avren's forest and the birds’ migratory path.
📧 Contact:
Initiative Committee “Save the Forest of Avren Municipality and Protect the Via Pontica Migratory Route”
📩 avrenactivists@gmail.com
#SaveTheForest #StopAvrenWindpark #SaveAvrenForest #NatureMatters #ProtectViaPontica #Natura2000 #ViaPontica #EcoFuture
Petition details
Petition started:
04/25/2025
Collection ends:
05/25/2025
Region:
Bulgaria
Topic:
Environment
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