An initiative to change the boundaries of specially protected natural areas was discussed in the Krasnoyarsk Territory

The Legislative Assembly of the Krasnoyarsk Territory discussed the federal initiative to change the boundaries of specially protected natural areas (SPNA).

The Committee on Natural Resources and Ecology of the regional parliament came to the conclusion that in its current version the initiative cannot be supported and requires serious revision. The document, which was considered in the State Duma in the first reading and sent to the regions for discussion, provides for the possibility of excluding lands from protected areas for the sake of construction of facilities of federal, regional and local significance.

But regional deputies believe that even for socio-economically significant objects such a decision cannot be made, since this does not fully comply with the decree of the President of the Russian Federation on national development goals, where the conservation of biodiversity is a priority. Of particular concern is the fact that the bill does not provide for compensation for lost natural areas.

In its current form, the document may create loopholes for abuse. It also violates the powers of the regions: it provides for the automatic abolition of regional and local protected areas when the boundaries of new federal territories are superimposed on them.

Chairman of the Committee on Natural Resources and Ecology Vitaly Drozdov: “The law provides for a simplified procedure for changing the boundaries of protected areas. When it comes to the placement of facilities for the defense of the country, this is a clear story. But then rather vague formulations begin. Thus, the term “loss of environmental value” does not have clear criteria, and the breadth of interpretation of the concept of “object affecting socio-economic development” is alarming. There will be reasons to “shred” protected areas for those especially interested. We have prepared our appeal; in parallel, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry will send the same documents to the federal level. We think this will have an impact, and the consideration of the law in the second reading will be approached extremely carefully.”

Proposals will be sent to the State Duma Committee of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation on ecology, natural resources and environmental protection.