Regulation on protection of wetlands.

The Regulation prohibits drying of areas larger than 8 ha. Drying areas smaller than 8 ha are subject to permission from the Ministry of Environment. Extracting and/or diverting water resources feeding wetlands that could spoil the ecological nature and functions of natural wetlands is prohibited. Sand extraction in these areas is also prohibited. Agencies granting licences for turf extraction should obtain the Ministry's approval. Collecting natural plants and animals, as well as eggs from wetlands is not allowed without having permission from the Ministry of Environment as well as from other related Ministries. Nests should never be destroyed. Different species other than the ones that are already living in the wetlands can not be added without conducting scientific research and obtaining approval of the Ministry of Environment. Afforestation is allowed for creating new habitats. Waste water discharge to wetlands is strictly prohibited. Dredging is subject to approval from the Ministry. Wetlands should not be used as industrial areas. Wetlands that would be included in the Ramsar List will be determined by the National Wetlands Commission of the Ministry of Environment. Management plans of the wetlands will be prepared by the Ministry and will include hunting and fishing rules. The functions and formation of the National Wetlands Commission is given in the Regulation.