106 experts seek changes to bill on protected land boundaries

A group of 106 scientists, environmentalists and reserve representatives has urged State Duma deputies to amend a bill allowing land to be removed from protected natural areas, RBC reported on October 16, citing a copy of their letter.

The letter was submitted on behalf of the Expert Council on Protected Areas. Signatories include Viktor Danilov-Danilyan, academicians Yury Dgebuadze and Alexander Chibilev, cosmonaut Fyodor Yurchikhin and writer Mikhail Tarkovsky.

According to RBC, the bill passed its first reading in March and would permit boundary changes for defence and security facilities, federally significant projects and natural loss of protected status. The letter’s authors argue that its wording creates risks of land removal for commercial activity and damage to ecosystems.

The experts propose allowing defence facilities in reserves only in exceptional circumstances on a presidential decision. They also seek an exhaustive list of federally significant projects for which land could be removed.

Another proposal would require separate federal laws for such developments and boundary changes in reserves and national parks.

More than 120 scientists and public figures previously sent a separate appeal to the president seeking revisions. The new letter’s authors offered to help prepare amendments before the second reading.