The Ministry of Natural Resources expects to adopt of a law on recreational tourism in protected areas in the spring session

The head of the Ministry of Natural Resources of Russia, Alexander Kozlov, spoke about the passage in the State Duma of a bill on the integrated development of recreational tourism in natural areas.

“The Ministry of Natural Resources has prepared a draft law on recreation in protected areas. It is in the State Duma, passed the first reading, agreed with the State Legal Department. We hope that the deputies will adopt it already in the second and third readings in the spring session,” Kozlov said at a meeting of the President of the Russian Federation with members of the government.

According to the minister, the document is intended to establish a transparent mechanism for interaction with investors who are ready to “enter” those territories where it is allowed to install recreation facilities.

The investor will receive a land plot for 49 years only if environmental obligations are met, Kozlov noted.
“Also, the bill will allow us to audit all previously concluded lease agreements and terminate them with unscrupulous tenants,” the minister said.

The bill defines the types of construction objects (both capital and non-capital) that are necessary for the development of tourism in natural areas. A specific list of facilities will be approved by the government. Individual housing construction there will be prohibited, the minister stressed.

In addition, the bill provides that for each natural area the allowable number of tourists will be calculated so that their visit does not damage plants and animals.

Rules for the organization of tourism, including security, in protected areas will be established.

“This is especially true for ski resorts and high-mountain climbing routes,” said Kozlov.

The plan of recreational activities will be approved exclusively by the Ministry of Natural Resources in agreement with the head of the region in which this or that national park is located.