Protests to defend nature in Bulgaria are being organized tonight by environmental organizations throughout the country.

Environmentalists are protesting against the amendments to the Biological Diversity Act which are to be discussed by parliament at second reading. The amendments were put forward by former Environment Minister Neno Dimov with the motive that a new approach is needed in the management of the Natura 2000 environmental network. One of the controversial amendments excludes Bulgarian scientists from the process of management of protected areas. The environmentalists say this will give the green light to investment intentions which will be detrimental to nature.