Ecologists oppose construction of road in Sochi National Park

The "Rosa Khutor" Company is engaged in construction of the road to the Engelmanovy forest meadows through the protected areas and thus destroys the relic forest and wildlife habitat. This was reported by activists of the "Ecological Watch for Northern Caucasus" (EcoWatch).

The construction of the road in the protected area of the National Park was started in December 2014. Then, the ecologists managed to stop the construction; however, in this May, it was renewed. The activists of the "EcoWatch" believe that the construction is being carried out without the necessary permits and that the project has not passed the state ecological expertise.

The invasion into the territories of the Sochi National Park not affected by human productive activities destroys the unique landscapes and habitats of rare species of animals and plants. This was told to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent by Vladimir Kimaev, a member of the Board of the "EcoWatch".

Meanwhile, Nikolai Penkovsky, the head of the National Park, argues that of the construction of the new road is not in question and that the already existing road is being maintained: shelters for hikers are to be built along the road, and tourists will be able to use forest paths to reach Lake Blue, the Engelmanovy forest meadows, and Lake Kardyvach.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.