Bad practices in pesticide use and illegal use of poisons in Rusenski Lom Nature park

21.04.2014

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During the planned visit to the region of Rusenski Lom Nature park (1-4.04.2014) a team of "The return of the Neophron" (Edita Difova - Agri-environment Expert and Dimitar Gradinarov - Bird Crime Officer for Bulgaria) have identified a number of irregularities in the use of pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals for the commercial agriculture needs. The team has also stumbled across several cases of illegal poisoning of stray dogs, jackals, foxes and small predators (Martens and Polecats).

The purpose of the visit was to establish the kind of the chemicals, legal or illegally, used for the livestock and agriculture needs in the region of Rusenski Lom. It coincided with the sowing campaign of the fields in the area by the larger farmers, who systematically use seeds treated with chemicals. Various pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, mineral fertilizers and other chemicals for maximum yields are also used in agricultural practice.

The team detected the following noxious to the nature and biodiversity practices and violations:

1.    Unused amounts of mineral fertilizers and herbicides, as well as empty packing of chemicals were discarded along the fields and nearby forests.

2.    Unused amounts of pesticide treated seeds (sunflower, corn, etc.) were discarded after sowing or after expiring of germination – these treated seed are poisonous for mammals, birds and insects.

3.    Illegal dumps near the fields with huge amounts of discarded plastic bags, plastic bottles and burlap sacks.. All these packages were from different types of chemicals used in various agricultural practices.

Most of them come under the category of toxic waste. Тhese bags contained residues of seed or active chemicals. A case of large quantities of spilled fertilizers and other chemicals was also determined.

4.    Illegal poisoning of stray dogs, jackals, foxes and other small predators that can cause secondary poisoning of other animals.

This is in complete contradiction with the corresponding laws, directives, and regulations.

These practices are probably widespread throughout the country. The inspected terrain is characterized, on the one hand, with the intensive agriculture and on the other - with the close proximity of the  "Rusenski Lom" Nature Park - very suitable area for a range of low-numbered (Common Kestrel, Common Buzzard, Long-legged Buzzard, Lesser Spotted Eagle, etc.), extinct ( Golden Eagle, Saker Falcon) or endangered (Egyptian vulture) species.

This is a serious problem at the local and national level. It requires an adequate assessment and action should be taken as soon as possible to reduce and mitigate its ecological and environmental impact.

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