Protect our right to nature : a demonstration in Svoge

Beyond our daily life at Vegetarium, the last few weeks have also been busy with organising an activist action. Indeed, despite the idyllic appearance of our life in Zhelen, a threat looms over all the valley : the gold and uranium mines that certain powerful groups want to open here, with potentially serious consequences both for the local flora and fauna and for the health of the local inhabitants.

So, we started last Saturday with a preparatory event at the church of Svoge, whose garden was lent to us by the priest for the occasion. This day allowed us to exchange ideas and make banners for the demonstration the following week : their purpose were both to convey a message to the inhabitants of Svoge about the threat hanging over them, but also to raise awareness on a larger scale about the activities taking place here. Local families took part in the activity, and we did a good job while having a great time together.

This Saturday, we gathered in the centre of Svoge for the start of the demonstration. Equipped with our banners, we marched through the town, trying to get our message across to passers-by and motorists as much as possible. We ended our march at the church of Svoge, where we symbolically planted young trees ; earlier in the day, we had gone to the forest nursery to dig up two chestnut trees, which we brought back with us, and other participants had also brought young trees which we all planted together in the church garden. Children, adults and young people all joined in this initiative, which turned out to be a beautiful shared experience. The day ended in Svoge square, where a singer-guitarist accompanied by a handpan player gave a concert. It was a wonderful moment that allowed us to see more positivity and have fun together.

I feel very grateful to have been able to participate in this cause, which is very touching because it concerns this place that I now consider my home, but which is also closely linked to the current Bulgarian context, and the global climate issues that affect us all. I hope it will have a positive impact and that the local inhabitants will be spared, because access to nature and health are rights that no one should be able to take away from us.

Maya