Federal Law No. 33-FZ on protected areas.

Protected natural areas are areas of land, water surface and air space above them, where natural complexes and objects, species of flora and fauna, natural ecological systems are located, which have special environmental, scientific, cultural, aesthetic, recreational and health value, which withdrawn by decisions of state authorities in whole or in part from economic use and for which a special protection regime has been established. Citizens, as well as public associations and non-profit organizations operating in the field of environmental protection, have the right to assist government bodies of the Russian Federation, government bodies of constituent entities of the Russian Federation, and local governments in implementing measures for the protection and use of protected natural areas. When carrying out these activities, state authorities of the Russian Federation, state authorities of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, local governments take into account the proposals of citizens, as well as public associations and non-profit organizations operating in the field of environmental protection. Visits by natural persons to protected natural areas, including for tourism purposes, are carried out in accordance with the special protection regime established for such areas. The present Federal Law regulates relations in the sphere of organization, protection and use of protected areas for the purpose of conservation of unique and typical environmental complexes and objects, notable natural formations, plant and wildlife species, their genetic fund, study of natural processes in the biosphere and control over its alterations and ecological education of the population. The Federal Law consists of 12 Sections that contain 38 articles. Section 1 (arts. 1-5) lays down general provisions. Section 2 (arts. 6-11) regards state natural reserves. Section 3 (arts. 12-17) regards National Parks. Section 4 (arts. 18-21) regards natural parks. Section 5 (arts. 22-24) regards state natural reserves. Section 6 (arts. 25-27) regards natural and historic memorials. Section 7 (arts. 28-30) regards arboretums and botanical gardens. Section 8 (arts. 31-32) regards recreational areas and resorts. Section 9 (arts. 33-35) deals with organization of the protection of protected areas. Section 10 (art. 36) establishes liability for the infringement of the regime of protected areas. Section 11 (art. 37) deals with international agreements in the sphere of protected areas. Section 12 (art. 38) lays down final provisions.