Law No. 2456-XII on natural reserves.

The purpose of the Ukrainian legislation on natural reserves is to regulate social relations as regards organization, protection and use of areas and sites pertaining to natural reserves, creation of their natural complexes and management in this sphere. Nature reserves are defined areas of land and water, natural ecosystems and other objects representing special environmental, scientific, aesthetic, recreational and other value that have been separated for the purpose of protection of natural landscapes, genetic fund of wildlife and plant species, maintaining ecological balance and ensuring environmental monitoring. The Law consists of 11 Sections that contain 67 articles. Section 1(arts. 1-10) lays down general provisions. Section 2 (arts. 11-13) regards management in the sphere of organization, protection and use of natural reserves. Section 3 (arts. 14-38) regards the status of natural reserves. Section 4 (arts. 39-40) regards protection of natural reserves. Sec 5 (arts. 41-43) regards research activity in the natural reserves. Section 6 (arts. 44-50) regards financing of organization and functioning of natural reserves. Section 7 (arts. 51-55) establishes the modalities of setting up and proclamation of natural reserves. Section 8 (arts. 56-59) regards state register of territories and sites pertaining to natural reserves. Section 9 (arts. 60-63) regards protection of natural reserves and control over the observance of their status. Section 10 (arts. 64-65) establishes liability for the infringement of the legislation on natural reserves. Section 11 (arts. 66-67) regards international cooperation in the sphere of protection and utilization of the territories and sites pertaining to natural reserves.