Popular protest
Skyrocketing development in public spaces and the government's apparent inability to reign in the construction industry has brought at least one positive outcome. The latent anger that many Bulgarians feel has led them to the streets and wilderness areas to protest.
"We realised that we can't depend on the state apparatus or the EU to prevent construction on Irakli, our favourite pristine beach area, which is why we took things into our hands," says Christina. Her 'Save Irakli' campaign has inspired others, and new committees in favour of Natura 2000 (or simply against over-construction) have emerged across the country. Similar developments in Poland and elsewhere in CEE bring hope for Europe's remaining pristine nature areas, and for democracy and good governance in the region.
