The State Duma discussed a bill concerning the use of national parks for tourism. The expert council of the Committee of the State Duma of the Russian Federation on ecology, natural resources and environmental protection, the meeting of which took place the day before, discussed how to stimulate the development of ecological tourism on the principles of a reasonable balance - to create conditions for receiving guests while preserving the uniqueness of natural areas.
The bill "On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation" in terms of regulating the implementation of recreational activities in specially protected natural areas, which was discussed at the committee, in particular, establishes the concept of tourism in protected areas, and also outlined the rules under which national parks can be used for tourism, physical culture and sports, organization of recreation for citizens. The bill also spells out the rights and obligations of tenants who intend to develop tourism infrastructure, and authorities.
The document, which has yet to pass the second reading in the State Duma, will be finalized by deputies, relevant ministries and departments, as well as representatives of protected areas.
In addition, the Duma Committee discussed a draft law on the abolition of fees for visiting specially protected natural areas. The initiator of this document was the Moscow City Duma, from the point of view of representatives of which it is not advisable to take money for visiting protected areas. If we talk about Moscow, then, indeed, the entrance to the parks "Elk Island" and "Botanical Garden" has always been free. The capital of the country has enough resources to maintain the ecological balance in these territories. What cannot be said about the regions.
Representatives of the Curonian Spit, Krasnoyarsk Pillars, the Caucasian and Khakass biosphere reserves hold a different opinion. Entry fees are the most important tool for regulating the pressure on protected areas, as well as a significant source of funding. It is obvious that at this stage it would be a premature step to talk about the bill.
