Possible legal issues with a ministry decision to rent out a building within a protected area for the purposes of hunting tourism

The Anti-Corruption Fund Foundation (ACF) has sent reports to the Inspectorate of the Council of Ministers and to the Supreme Administrative Prosecution Office about possible legal issues with a ministry decision to rent out a building, situated within a protected area, for the purposes of hunting tourism.

ACF has reviewed the order of the Minister of agriculture, food and forests regarding a tender for the management of game on the territory of Panichishte gaming reserve, situated within National Forestry Company Dupnitza. The order also mentions a tourism hut located outside of the area of the forestry company and within the territory of the Rila National Park.

According to the Hunting and Gaming Act, hunting tourism facilities are all facilities specialized for use by the sector. In addition, the Protected Areas Act expressly forbids raising game and hunting in protected areas, except when there is a need for culling in order to manage populations.

ACF was disappointed that the above-mentioned institutions did not take any measures regarding the received reports. The Inspectorate of the Council of Ministers said it has no jurisdiction over the specific administrative orders of ministers, while the prosecution did not find any legal precedent allowing it to examine the minister’s order.