Belasitsa Nature Park, located in the southwesternmost part of Bulgaria, encompasses the northern slopes of the Belasitsa mountain range. The park borders North Macedonia to the west and Greece to the south. Its territory falls within Blagoevgrad Province, Petrich Municipality, and the jurisdiction of the Regional Forestry Directorate – Blagoevgrad, the Petrich State Forestry Enterprise, the Southwest State Enterprise – Blagoevgrad, and the Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water (RIEW) – Blagoevgrad. The park also includes lands belonging to the town of Petrich and the villages of Belasitsa, Kolarovo, Samuilovo, Kamena, Yavornitsa, Klyuch, Skrat, and Gabrene.
Belasitsa was designated a nature park by Order No. RD-925 dated December 28, 2007, issued by the Minister of Environment and Water. It is the youngest nature park in Bulgaria, spanning an area of 11,732.43 hectares. The highest peak within the park is Mount Radomir, standing at 2,029 meters. To the east lie Mount Golyam Kongur (1,951 m) and Mount Debelo Bardo (1,951 m), and to the west, Mount Golyam Lozen (1,901 m) and Mount Tumba (1,880 m). The park’s lowest point is at 148 meters above sea level.
Unfortunately, despite its relatively short history, Belasitsa Nature Park has already been tainted by controversy and corrupt schemes. At the center of these issues is the notorious “green octopus” figure, Toma Belev, known for his alleged manipulation of environmental causes for personal or political gain.
Note: Allegations referenced here are subject to further investigation and legal review. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven otherwise in a court of law.
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