The management of Strandzha National Park sent a letter of gratitude to the media and non-governmental organisations on July 20, expressing thanks and appreciation to “all citizens, organisations and institutions that supported the national park in this moment of crisis for Bulgarian nature,” the letter said.

This was a sequel to the Supreme Administrative Prosecutor’s Office revoking a ruling made by the Supreme Administrative Court on June 29, removing the protected area status of Strandzha. After the court decision, Parliament urgently approved a new Protected Areas Act, preventing decrees of protected areas being vulnerable to appeals in court.

The Strandzha National Part letter said: “We heartily thank all who went out to protest, wrote letters and declarations, who were creative; to those who expressed their protest with petitions and by other means; to all who gave part of their private time and money to show their civic opinion!”

The letter said that it was thanks to these people that Strandzha National Park would continue to exist.

Meanwhile, the local community centre in Malko Turnovo village has started an initiative among Bulgarians younger than 21. The community centre called for the compilation of “the longest letter in support of Strandzha”, which is to be sent to President Georgi Purvanov. The letter will consist of the imprints of children’s hands, put on a piece of paper next to the name of the child, the age and the place where the “signatory” lives.

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