In Sochi, ecologists hold rally against destruction of greenery

On January 11, activists of the "Ecological Watch for Northern Caucasus" held a rally against destruction of green plants in the territory of the children's centre in Sochi. Anatoly Pakhomov, Mayor of the city, has stated that a parking will be built in the centre's territory and that the very centre faces no threats.

Let us remind you that in the night on January 8, several dozens of green plants were cut down in the territory of the children's educational centre at the intersection of Gagarin and Krasnoarmeiskaya Streets in Sochi. Representatives of the city administration claim lawfulness of cutting and refer to the court's decision.

Today, the action in protection of green plants was held from 11:00 a.m. till 02:00 p.m. by Olga Noskovets, Maria Ukhova and Yulia Naberezhnaya, members of the "Ecological Watch for Northern Caucasus", in the territory of the children's centre in Krasnoarmeiskaya Street.

The action of the activists of the "Ecological Watch for Northern Caucasus" finished near the office of the Department of the forest and park services of the city (DFPS). Earlier, the management of the organization issued a permit for cutting. Ecologists presented to the officials of the DFPS "a funeral wreath" and stated that "the funeral wreath was presented on behalf of the Sochi residents for the activities of the officials of the DFPS, who, instead of protecting trees, gave permits for their cutting."

The protesters were supported by the staff members of the children's centre, parents, who brought their children there for lessons, and local residents, the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent reports.