Press Release: Allegations of illegal logging at the Greek-Bulgarian border demand an immediate investigation

CategoriesPress release Evros Thrace Environmental legislation By

Allegations of illegal logging at the Greek-Bulgarian border demand an immediate investigation

 

The Ministry of Environment and Energy must immediately proceed with an investigation into serious allegations regarding extensive logging in the border zone of the Greek-Bulgarian frontier border and provide public answers on compliance with forestry and environmental legislation, the environmental organizations "Society for the Protection of Biodiversity of Thrace," "Society for the Protection of Prespa," and "Callisto" urge in a joint statement.

Σύμφωνα με στοιχεία που έχουν δει το φως της δημοσιότητας με πρόσφατο ρεπορτάζ της Εφημερίδας των ΣυντακτώνAccording to data brought to light by a recent report in the "Efimerida ton Syntakton" newspaper, work carried out in recent years within the framework of border zone management may have significantly exceeded the purpose for which it was approved. The allegations concern logging beyond the approved limits, illegal construction of forest roads, logging outside the designated work zone, as well as severe transparency deficits regarding assignment contracts, work supervision, and the management of the timber produced. Official documents and field inspections by the Forest Services have already recorded part of the aforementioned violations.

Of particular concern is the fact that these activities are taking place in forest ecosystems of special ecological importance. In the Regional Unit of Drama and along the border zone, some of the most important areas of the Natura 2000 network and the Rhodope Mountains National Park are located, such as the “Dasos Fraktou,” “Rodopi Simyda,” “Elatia,” “Pyramis Koutra,” the “Koryfes Orous Orvilos,” and “Oros Chaintou - Koula,” with spruce and Scots pine forests, which have already been logged beyond the prescribed limits of the clearing zone. In the Evros Regional Unit, logging has affected the low-lying broadleaf forests in the Pentalofos area, unique natural forests within the Municipality of Orestiada, while the Special Protection Area “Oreinos Evros – Koilada Dereiou” is directly threatened in the event of an expansion of the operations, featuring mature oak forests and a significant population of diurnal birds of prey.

At the same time, it remains unclear what the applicable institutional framework is for forest management within the Cover Security Zone (CSZ), who exercises environmental supervision over the operations, and in what way compliance with forestry and environmental legislation is ensured. Furthermore, reports that the competent Forest Services were denied access by the services of the Ministry of National Defense to the work assignment contracts render the need for full transparency even more imperative.

The protection of forest ecosystems is not suspended in the country’s border areas. National security cannot constitute a reason for deviation from environmental protection legislation, nor can it limit the oversight of the competent environmental authorities. On the contrary, every public work or activity must be implemented in full compliance with forestry and environmental legislation, ensuring transparency and accountability.

For these reasons, we call upon the Ministry of Environment and Energy:

  • • To immediately investigate all allegations regarding logging in the border zone
  • • To make public the findings of the inspections carried out by the competent forest and environmental services
  • • To clarify the institutional framework applicable to logging operations within the Cover Security Zone and the responsibilities of each involved entity
  • • To ensure that all operations in border areas are carried out in full compliance with forestry and environmental legislation
  • • To ensure that, if violations are found, the prescribed liabilities are assigned and the necessary measures are taken to restore the environmental damage.

The safeguarding of the country's forest ecosystems and the enforcement of environmental legislation constitute a non-negotiable obligation of the State, in every region of the Greek territory, including border zones.

Environmental Organizations:

Society for the Protection of Biodiversity of Thrace, Society for the Protection of Prespa and Callisto