Controls are to be stepped up within the territory of nature reserve sites to prevent off-road driving. The State Environmental Inspectorate of Ukraine and the administrations of national nature parks have been given the relevant instructions.
This was announced in a post by the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture on its Telegram channel.
Measures include increased patrols, prompt responses to reports from members of the public, and the investigation of all reports of such environmental offences, including those on social media.
Consequences for offenders
The Ministry of Economy has reiterated that offenders face disciplinary, administrative, civil or criminal liability, in accordance with the Law “On the Nature Reserve Fund of Ukraine”.
The amount of fines is governed by Article 91 of the Administrative Code of Ukraine concerning violations of the rules for the protection and use of territories and objects within the Nature Reserve Fund. Members of the public will be required to pay between 9 and 24 non-taxable minimum incomes, whilst public officials will face fines of between 15 and 30 such amounts. In addition, vehicles may be confiscated, and offenders will be required to compensate for the damage caused to the environment.
Destructive Extreme Sports
Off-roading has a complex and negative impact on the natural environment. The tyres of off-road vehicles, quad bikes and buggies cause severe damage to the soil and vegetation. Over time, this damage accelerates the erosion of mountain slopes and increases the risk of flooding and pollution of water bodies. In short, fragile natural ecosystems can be disrupted simply because of holidaymakers’ reckless pastime.
It should be recalled that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed Bill No. 4188-IX “On Amendments to the Law of Ukraine ‘On the Nature Reserve Fund of Ukraine’” back in February 2025. The amendments were primarily aimed at combating off-roading. In particular, it is prohibited to drive motorised vehicles off-road within the territory of the Nature Reserve Fund.
