News

18 October 2025

Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva referred the matter to Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev, the Chief Architect of Sofia Municipality Bogdana Panayotova, and the Chair of the Standing Committee on Spatial Planning, Architecture, and Housing Policy of the Sofia Municipal Council Sevdelina Petrova,  urging them to take immediate action and prepare a statement to prevent the development of the Boyana Marsh and save its ecosystem.

The Ombudsman emphasizes that it is necessary to assess the hydrogeological risk when issuing a design visa and building permit for properties that fall within the project boundaries of the Boyana Marsh. Delcheva points out that this is in line with the measures set out in the Sofia Municipality's management programme for the period 2023-2027.

"My recommendation is to submit a proposal for an official amendment to the current general and detailed development plans in order to establish permanent protection status for the Boyana Marsh, which has important ecological and protective functions against the harmful effects of water," writes Velislava Delcheva.

The Ombudsman insists, in accordance with the Spatial Development Act (SDA), on the immediate cessation of excavation and construction works, as well as the imposition of a temporary construction ban on the site.

Delcheva was notified of the case on her reception day by the Association for the Protection of the Boyana Marsh, whose representatives informed her of ongoing construction activities in the area and insisted on urgent measures to stop the development of the Boyana Marsh area.

Citizens reported that as early as 2021 and October 2025, they submitted proposals to the Sofia Municipality for a construction ban and changes to zoning plans in order to protect the only natural wetland within the boundaries of Sofia. They pointed out that a study commissioned by the municipality from Sofiplan in 2021 had proven that the Boyana Marsh was a valuable ecological area with over 140 species of birds, some of which were endangered and protected.

The Association emphasized that in 2022, the Municipal Expert Council also accepted hydrological studies proving the existence of a permanent water body. Citizens submitted a petition with over 1,500 signatures demanding a change in the zoning plans.

On Monday, 20 October, at 10 a.m., the Commission on Spatial Planning, Architecture and Housing Policy of the Sofia Municipal Council will hold an extraordinary meeting on the case of the Boyana Marsh, and the Association is organising a peaceful protest to protect the area.

 Photo 1 – The Ombudsman receives photographs of protected bird species, the green woodpecker and Eurasian siskin, taken by Georgi Gavrilov and Georgi Kamov in a competition organised by the Boyana Marsh Protection Association.