Greenpeace claims that a key facility for Sochi's 2014 Winter Olympic bid is being built on protected land. The land is the environmentally sensitive Rosa Khutor in the Western Caucasus mountains, which are within the territory of the Sochi National Park (including its protected area). It also includes the Caucasus reserve inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage list.
The first stage of construction of the mountain ski complex “Karusel” has already been completed in the park. ...Greenpeace International has asked the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Jacques Rogge, to demand the Russian government to fulfill its international obligations to protect the World Heritage properties.
The appeal was made to draw attention to violations of Russian laws and international agreements during preparations for the Olympic Games 2014 that might take place in the city of Sochi.
Greenpeace went to the Supreme Court with a lawsuit against the Russian government on Sept. 11. After that lawsuit was rejected, Greenpeace appealed and got another hearing, the date for which has not been set.
The International Olympic Committee's Evaluation Commission will visit Sochi from Feb. 18 to Feb. 24. The commission is expected to announce its final decision on the host city in June.
For more see:
http://www.greenpeace.org/russia/en/news/greenpeace-addresses-president
http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2006/11/14/016.html