Bulgaria may be at risk of more European sanctions in connection with protected zones, part of the Natura 2000 network in coastal Dobrudzha, representatives of the Bulgarian Black Sea Association said after a wildlife conference in Bucharest.

At the meeting, Nicola Notaro, head of the European Commission Nature Protection unit expressed the view that local communities must be involved in the management of the Natura zones.

During the meeting in Bucharest representatives of the costal Dobrudzha local community, headed by Dimitar Kanariev, head of the Bulgarian Black Sea Association suggested to Nicola Notaro measures in fulfilment of the European Court ruling on Kaliakra, aimed at making sure the European Commission shall not bring another action against the country and avoiding the imposition of any more sanctions. Nicola Notaro stated that the EC does not support absolute bans within the Nature 2000 network and is tolerant of the sustainable development of the regions by way of economic activity. The Bulgarian Black Sea Association has appealed that the state to work jointly with communities in coastal Dobrudzha so as to make sure Bulgaria will not be sanctioned.