Verkhovna Rada's Environmental Committee recommends adopting amendments to the law on the nature reserve fund

Verkhovna Rada's Environmental Committee recommends adopting amendments to the law on the nature reserve fund

Elizaveta Volkotrub

The passage of mechanical vehicles through nature conservation areas is prohibited.

The Committee on Environmental Policy and Nature Management recommended that the Parliament adopt the government's draft law on amendments to the Law of Ukraine "On the Nature Reserve Fund of Ukraine" (No. 11024).

The permitted passage of motor vehicles will be limited exclusively to public roads, streets and roads of settlements, as well as roads in private territories, according to Taras Melnychuk, a representative of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, on his Telegram channel.

The exceptions to this rule are:

  • land users and landowners on whose land plots these territories and facilities are located;
  • relevant officials of state and local executive authorities, law enforcement and other bodies and services, etc.

Earlier, EcoPolitic wrote, that on February 19, 2024, the Cabinet of Ministers approved Bill 11024 "On Amendments to the Law of Ukraine 'On the Nature Reserve Fund of Ukraine'", which provides for a ban on jeeping in protected areas and strict liability for it.

Jeeping is a race, rally, etc. on off-road vehicles (cars, buggies, ATVs). Such entertainment causes significant damage to nature, as cars destroy landscapes and soil, which contributes to erosion. Jeeping disrupts the habitats of animals and plants and has a particularly negative impact on rare and vulnerable species.

Currently, there is an outright ban on jeeping only in strictly protected areas, while vehicles are allowed in economic zones and areas of stationary recreation. This leads to the fact that protected areas regularly turn into racing tracks.

As EcoPolitic previously reported, the Kyiv City Council has banned jeeping, i.e. riding ATVs, cars, buggies, etc. on the territory of nature reserves.

Related
In 2024, the EU's environmental budget became a record and exceeded defense spending
In 2024, the EU's environmental budget became a record and exceeded defense spending

In Ukraine, on the contrary, even the funds that were planned to be spent on environmental protection measures are being redirected to create a scientific institute

Reporting rules for companies that will receive an integrated environmental permit have been established
Reporting rules for companies that will receive an integrated environmental permit have been established

Also published in the form of the relevant reporting document

In 2024, environmental expenditures in Ukraine amounted to $1.1 billion
In 2024, environmental expenditures in Ukraine amounted to $1.1 billion

They are gradually returning to pre-war levels

Ukraine wants to increase fines for violations in the field of water protection
Ukraine wants to increase fines for violations in the field of water protection

Legislative proposals to increase fines for waste pollution and violations in protected areas are also being considered.