Ministerial Decree on the establishment of the state nature reserve "Ventotene and Santo Stefano Islands".

This Ministerial Decree establishes the nature reserve "Ventotene and Santo Stefano Islands", which is delimited in accordance with the coordinates listed out in the Annex. The nature reserve is established in order to: a) protect flora and fauna and conservate the ecological characteristics of the environment; b) promote the environmental restoration of degradated ecosystems; c) promote activities which are compatible with the conservation of the reserve's natural resources; d) encourage studies and scientific research, giving particular regard to territorial features; e) promote the development of educational programmes. Article 3 provides for the establishment of the Commission for Ground and Marine Protected Areas of Ventotene and Santo Stefano Islands. The Commission shall formulate technical and scientific proposals and directives. It must be convocated at least once every two months. The management of the nature reserve is entrusted to the Commune of Ventotene. Within sixty days from the entry into force of this Decree, the latter shall conclude an agreement with the Ministry of the Environment. Within six months from the conclusion of such agreement, the Commune of Ventotene shall draw up the Management Plan by following the guidelines and criteria set out by article 9. Article 6 prohibits certain activities in the nature reserve, such as capture and/or killing of wild fauna species, waste discharges. Inspections shall be carried out by the Ministry of the Environment (art. 10). Article 11 lays down penalties.