Biological Diversity Act.

The Biological Diversity Act aims to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity in the Republic of Bulgaria. The State shall establish the National Ecological Network (NEN), which purpose shall be the long term conservation of biological, geological and landscape diversity, creation of high quality conditions for wild animal breeding, preservation and protection of endangered, rare and endemic plant, etc. The NEN shall be completed by 2006 and is meant to cover 10-12% of the national territory and the protected zones. The Act regulates the conservation of the protected plant and animal species of wild flora and fauna by introducing a number of protective measures as a regulatory regime of their use, prohibition of methods, devices and means for capture and killing, elaboration of action plans etc. The Act also covers the conservation of the genetic resources and the diversity of plant and animal species outside the natural surroundings, the introduction of non-native and reintroduction of native plant and animal species into the wild, conservation of centuries-old and remarkable trees, and it sets up a detailed rules for trade in endangered species of the wild flora and fauna. The competent authorities are the Ministry of Environment and Water (incl. Regional Inspections of Environment and Water and National Park Directorates), Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works, Customs Agency. A consultative body to the Minister of Environment and Water is established – National Council on Biological Diversity.
Annexes. Chapter 1 deals with general requirements and sets out the aim of the Act. Chapter 2 sets out a National ecological network. Chapter 3 regulates the protection of the plant and animal species of wild flora and fauna. Chapter 4 provides the conditions and order for trade with endangered species of wild flora and fauna. Chapter 5 prescribes the conservation of centuries old and remarkable trees. Chapter 6 gives the rights and duties of the competent authorities. Chapter 7 provides administrative penalty provisions. All definitions are given in the additional provision. Transitional and concluding provisions prescribe some other related issues, such as amendments in other Acts, repeal of Nature Protection Act. Annex I lists the types of natural habitats stated in Art.6, para.1, item 1. Annex II enumerates the plant and animal species (incl. birds), stated in Art.6, para.1, item 2 and item 3. Annex III lists the protected wild animal and plant species. Annex IV enumerates wild animal and plant species, subject to regulatory use. Annex V lists prohibited devices, methods and means, including motor vehicles, of capture and killing. Annex VI lists the bird species subject of trade. Annex VII gives a sample of CITES permit.