Regulation on wetlands.

The purpose of this Regulation is to define the principles and rules of protecting wetlands and their habitats, and their rational handling and management. It is prohibited to dry natural wetlands larger that 8 ha, while natural wetlands smaller than 8 ha can be dried upon permission from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. Discharging surface and underground waters from wetlands as well as diverting streams and other surface waters feeding wetlands is prohibited. The extraction of sand and gravel as well as peat from protected areas needs the approval of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. Approval needs to be obtained also for cutting and transporting reeds which is allowed only in October, November and December with a volume equal to 30% of the whole reed area. Collecting plant species and hunting in wetlands is not allowed except for scientific research purposes after obtaining permission from the Ministry. Wetlands that would be included into the Ramsar List are determined by the National Wetlands Committee. The 10-member National Wetlands Committee is mainly responsible for preparing national wetland policies and strategies, and for taking decisions in order to resolve issues regarding wetlands. Details on the Committee are given in the Regulation. Activities prohibited in in the buffer zone are listed in the Annex. A buffer zone is an area not less than 2500 meters from the wetland area, but if borders exists the distance is intended from the ecological area.