Pomoc!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Prenj]

"ENVIRONMENTAL UPDATE
Green Visions, together will over 20 other NGO’s and environmental groups from all across BiH, continue to push for final protection of the Rakitnica Canyon.
In the past months we have actively engaged in ceasing the rampant destruction of this pristine canyon – protected under Bosnian law since 1985 and still today under current laws. We have witnessed aggressive reactions to our calls for proclaiming Rakitnica Canyon a protected area within the boundaries of the proposed National Park Bjelasnica-Igman which passed through parliament by a vote of 7-1 (after a strong lobby by our group). The latest in this saga was a public debate organized by the Federation Ministry of Urbanism and the Environment in Konjic. If you’ve never been to a one-sided pit-bull fight – this ‘public debate’ closely resembled one.
After representatives from the Prenj Forestry company was given more than ample time to defend road construction in two areas of the canyon and many villagers and local public officials voiced their opinions in favour of the road our opposition was met with insults, heckling, threats and personal attacks – all calmly observed by the ministry ‘arbitrators.’
Given little time to speak or present our alternative, more sustainable, less expensive and environmental sound plan we were greeted afterwards with physical threats from several publicly elected officials and members of parliament. The mayor of Konjic, Mr. Bubalo, verbally attacked Alen Lepirica (Master of Geography and Geomorphology on the Rakitnica Canyon and Environmental Planner) as a corrupt lobbyist from Sarajevo and an unskilled professional – literally yelling and swearing at him when he tried to speak.
The president of the SDA cantonal board Salko Sokolovica – after constantly harassing anyone who spoke in opposition to the road, threatened environmentalists after the debate that he would “set it up that we set the forest fire” (referring to the large forest fire in the canyon where arson is suspected) and that we “would never enter the canyon again. I will stop you with guns if I have too.”
The villagers, on the other hand – who spoke in support for the road, where more courteous and understanding than the local officials who apparently ‘represent’ all constituents in their region who claim to have no financial gain from this project.
We have clearly, professionally and courteously presented a realistic alternative that would not only preserve the canyon but provide good access to the isolated highlanders who depend on year round access to Konjic and the surrounding area. NO ONE wanted to hear it – hmmm, something doesn’t smell right here.
Please let your voice of logic and reason be heard. We support providing sustainable solutions for the villagers of the Visocica area and developing the area for agricultural and eco-tourism purposes. Clear cutting the forest (as precedent has shown) is the clear objective of the local government and the private companies that support this circle. It has to stop – and we ask you to do your bit. Please contact the ministry of Urbanism and the Environment to voice your support to preserve Rakitnica as one of the most precious eco-systems in all of Europe. Remember, only .6% of BiH territory is protected – the European norm is over 7%. We want BiH to move towards European standards….and you? Bosnian and Internationals alike – just one letter can make a difference.
Contact:
Address: Gda Anda Hadziabdic , sef odsjeka za opcu ekologiju i procjenu uticaja na okolis
Federalno Ministarstvo Prostornog Uredenja i Okolisa
Marsala Tita 9A
Fax: 033 445 031
e-mail: [email protected]


IMPORTANT
CC: Minister Mr. Ramiz Mehmedagic (same address as above)
Fax : 033 663 548
e-mail: [email protected], [email protected] "