This project responds to the growing number of attacks against civil society activists in Bulgaria, particularly those working on environmental justice. Smear campaigns, personal attacks and SLAPP lawsuits threaten their ability to defend human rights, fight corruption and protect the environment. The project strengthens the resilience and visibility of activists through preventive communication and public awareness. Project activities include publishing analytical articles on violations of international law, producing three video podcast episodes featuring activists who have faced attacks, and creating short videos for social media. In addition, Za Zemiata, in partnership with the Association of European Journalists, is organising a seminar for civil society on how to respond to media attacks and legal threats.
Catalyst of Change
Supporting a vibrant civil society in Europe
Za Zemiata
zazemiata.orgZa Zemiata is a public interest organization committed to environmental justice and a sustainable, equitable world free from the exploitation of people and nature. Its work focuses on promoting sustainable alternatives to existing harmful practices, empowering local communities, strengthening civil society, and advocating for fair and effective environmental legislation through local and international cooperation.
About the Project
Breaking Barriers: An Inclusive Approach to Environmental Justice and Effective Waste Managment
The project aimed to address the growing environmental and social challenges posed by waste incineration in Bulgaria by empowering local communities to access information, participate in decision-making, and advocate for cleaner, more sustainable waste management practices. It successfully built local expertise and networks, supported citizen initiatives in key regions, and encouraged dialogue through legal analysis, public reports, media outreach, and expert collaboration.
Call 1
Communication Outputs
Media Coverage
Notably, Za Zemiata’s report, conference, and other activities under the Catalysts of Change project have been featured on National Bulgarian Radio as well as in national and local newspapers.
- Десислава Стоянова: Надявам се ВАС да е на страната на гражданите – От деня
- БТА :: До месец и половина се очаква решение на ВАС по казуса с изграждането на завод с инсинератор за горене на отпадъци край Павликени
- https://www.24chasa.bg/bulgaria/article/18900567
- Втори опит да се даде ход на делото за инсинератора на Вълка край Павликени | Actualno.com
- https://bnr.bg/horizont/post/102026596
- Сдружение „За Земята“ представя Доклад за изгарянето на отпадъци в България – количества, здраве и технологии
- Екоактивисти: Няма информация за разрешителните за горене на отпадъци – News.bg
- Представяне на доклад „Изгарянето на отпадъци в България – зад завесата – количества, здраве и технологии“ – Eurochicago.com
- Изгарянето на отпадъци в България придобива опасни размери, казва в нов доклад екипът на Екологично сдружение „За Земята“ – Радио Велико Търново
- Изгарянето на отпадъци в България придобива опасни размери | Дневник
Project Communications
This section presents Za Zemiata’s own communications as part of the Catalyst project. The organisation produced an environmental report on waste incineration and highlighted both the report and the subsequent conference on its social media channels.
We are grateful for the support of NHC. This grant supported Za Zemiata in building a much stronger team of both coordinators, experts, lawyers, media people and local groups to work focused on the topic of waste management and, in particular, waste incineration, access to information and justice.
-Za Zemiata, about their experience with the grant.
Call 3
Voices for Protection: Preventive Communication Against Smear Campaigns and SLAPP Lawsuits
Communication Outputs
Project Communications
ZaZemiata developed a video series “Defenders in Need“, documenting local cases of activism. The first case focuses on a resident of Pernik affected by illegal coal mining. With legal assistance from Za Zemiata’s lawyers, the case resulted in a successful ruling against Bulgarian institutions at the European Court of Human Rights. The second case highlights the civic mobilisation against a large-scale waste incinerator project proposed by businessman Rumen Gaitanski in the village of Varbovka (Pavlikeni region).
The organisation also hosts its own podcast, Radio Earth, discussing current green topics, causes and living in harmony with nature.
Publications
Za Zemiata completed a comprehensive legal analysis published by our legal expert, Regina Stoilova, examining the increasing pressure on environmental NGOs in Bulgaria. It provides a clear and accessible overview of the legal framework protecting environmental defenders, highlighting key gaps and challenges.
Social Media
Za Zemiata’s Instagram, Facebook and TikTok, where short videos are published.
Funded by the European Union
name
Catalyst of Change: Protecting the Union values by supporting a resilient, engaged and vocal civil society for the promotion of women’s rights, environmental justice and anti-corruption
partner
European Center for Not-for-Profit Law Stichting (ECNL)
duration
1 January 2023- 31 December 2026
budget
3,411.982 EUR
