Thu, 29 May, 2014 01:41:50 AM
FTimes-STT Report, May 29
File Photo Lehtikuva.
The government wants to ensure that the protection of the Natura 2000 network of protected areas is enshrined in the law.
The government has submitted a bill to the parliament to amend the conservation laws as per the EU requirements.
The amendments would prohibit certain activities on grounds justifiable for reasons of conservation, for instance, preventing degradation of a given area of natural values.
The amendments include an obligation to inform the Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY Centres) 30 days in advance before carrying out activities in the Natura network of protected areas. This obligation is done to ensure the assessment of the impact of degradation.
The amendments also would clarify the powers and responsibilities of the conservation authorities. The changes sought would also see the authorities tasked with more specific obligations.
