The law will come into force on September 1, 2023
The State Duma adopted in the third reading a law on tourism in specially protected natural territories (PAs), it will come into force on September 1.
According to the press service of the lower house of parliament, the law is intended to lay a unified basis for the legal regulation of tourism within the boundaries of nature reserves and national parks.< /p>
“The document introduces the main criteria, including the preservation of unique natural complexes, objects of flora and fauna, compliance with the maximum allowable recreational load, the creation of specially equipped tourist places and routes, the preservation of cultural heritage sites, as well as ensuring the safety of tourism,” the report says.
The law prohibits changing the area, location and boundaries of the protected and specially protected zones and the zone of traditional extensive nature management. In addition, the construction of residential buildings is prohibited in such zones, but it is allowed to create facilities for temporary accommodation, cultural and environmental education, public catering and consumer services, personal hygiene.
“Mandatory approval is provided the plan of recreational activity of the national park with the head of the region, which is important for taking into account the development of tourism on the territory of each subject, ”quotes the press service of the chairman of the Committee on Ecology, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of the State Duma Dmitry Kobylkin.
As noted in the message, the document provides for the conclusion of agreements to attract investment in the development of the tourist infrastructure of protected areas, the parties to which are the federal executive body and the winner of the auction. They prescribe key points: taking measures to prevent harm to the environment, compliance with the established maximum allowable recreational capacity, and others. The agreement is terminated, including due to violation of its terms.
The law will enter into force on September 1, 2023. Until that moment, it is prohibited to lease land plots within the boundaries of protected areas of federal significance, with the exception of settlements located within the boundaries of national parks.
The bill was considered in the first reading almost two years ago – 19 May 2021 and has been under development ever since. On February 21, Vladimir Putin, in his message to the Federal Assembly, asked to expedite the consideration of the document, as it is “very important for our country.” The second reading took place on March 3.