Entry into force of amendments to the Individual Protection and Use Regulations of Luban Wetlands
As from 10 April 2015, amendments to the regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers “Personal Protection and Use Regulations of the Natural Resistance Lubana Wetlands” (10.02.2009, No. 135) have entered into force. They determine changes in forestry activity, the construction of tourism infrastructure, the organisation of mass events, etc. in the relevant territory.
The rules generally provide for easier conditions, as the protection regime for stricter regulation is not established in comparison with the previous version. Amendments have also been incorporated into the amendments to reduce administrative burdens. Situations where one activity, such as mining, tree felling, had to be subject to administrative acts of two or more national regulatory authorities.
The change determines that no more than 60 people in the present 50 people are allowed to participate in public events without the permission of the Nature Protection Administration in the area of natural protection. The limitation of the number of persons is not applicable to measures and camps which will be organised in places intended for this purpose and specially installed. These Regulations are supplemented by a section which prescribes that it is prohibited to damage or destroy a submarine in the territory of the “Luban wetlands” of the nature reserve, obtaining moss and lichens, as well as reading berries and mushrooms.
The neutral zone is increased, including all single-seat. In view of the fact that the neutral zone is designed to ensure the sustainable economic exploitation and development of the area, following the recommendation of the municipality of Rēzekne, the provisions are supplemented by a point on the installation of one wind power station for personal needs in one real estate.
Several changes are related to felling of trees, for example, the felling of trees in a sanitary felling area is permitted in a natural reserve zone, if a sanitary opinion of the State Forest Service has been received (also if the cross-area of the forest stands is greater than the critical cross area). In order to prevent threats to visitors and infrastructure objects, in the natural reserve zone, the forest disease, pests, animals or other damaged, wind-topped and broken trees shall be harvested at another felling. In such case, the State Forest Service shall issue a certificate of felling of trees after receipt of a positive opinion of the nature protection authority.
In the natural reserve zone, it is also prohibited to move through watercourses and water bodies with any watercraft using an internal combustion engine. The exception is the management of the area of movement, monitoring and monitoring of compliance with the protection regime, the management of fish ponds, the rescue and search of people.
It should be noted that during the drafting of the amendments, meetings were held with local governments, A/S “Latvian State Forests” and non-governmental organisations (“Latvian Natural Fund”, “Latvian Ornithological Society”), as well as representatives of the nature protection administration.
Additional information:
The existing provisions can be found in the following amendments as of 7 April 2015: http://likumi.lv/doc.php?id=188931
The amendments can be found at:
http://likumi.lv/ta/id/273312-grozijumi-ministru-kabineta-2009-gada-10-februara-noteikumos-nr-135-dabas-lieguma-lubana-mitrajs-individualie-aizsardzibas
The information was prepared by:
Social attiecību and Environmental Education Division of the dabas aizsardzības Administration
Additional information:
Nature Protection Administration Latgale Regional Administrations
Head of the Nature Education Centre Razna
Regina Indriķe
Mob. tel.: 29139677
Photo: Dainis Tuch