Sofia’s green plan hits a paper wall

Plamena Terziradeva, a municipal councilor from the Save Sofia party, reported that Chief Architect Bogdana Panayotova has refused to complete the graphic portion of the Street Greening Standard. According to Terziradeva, an official response indicated that developing the visual materials was not considered appropriate, a decision which effectively blocks the standard’s implementation despite its prior approval by the Municipal Council.

She explained that the long-delayed standard, which outlines valid practices like proper tree pruning and planting technologies, remains incomplete. This document is intended for use by all municipal and private maintenance staff to ensure a healthier urban green system.

Terziradeva also countered the justification for the delay, which cited upcoming amendments to the Regulation on the Green System. She stated that while Panayotova had submitted a report outlining proposed changes from various stakeholders, no specific amendment text has yet been prepared for the council’s review. This obstruction, she concluded, prevents Sofia from sustainably maintaining its greenery.