Unofficial translation

REPUBLIC OF ESTONIA

LAW ON THE LAHEMAA NATIONAL PARK

27 March, 1991

INVALID from 3 June, 1997

1. The Lahemaa National Park is a complex protected area of natural and historic cultural landscape which belongs to the state nature protection system and has scientific, educational, recreational and cultural significance.

The Lahemaa National Park was established considering the principles adopted on the 10th general Assembly of IUCN in 1969 to preserve, protect, restore and introduce landscapes, ecosystems, national-cultural heritage and historic monuments typical of a certain area of Estonia.

2. The land, islands and waters within the borders of the Lahemaa National Park are under state protection.

In the nature reserves of the Lahemaa National Park all human activities, except scientific investigations, are prohibited. Elsewhere in the Lahemaa National Park on land and water areas human activities are permitted in accordance with the conditions set by the aims of the Lahemaa national Park while preference is given to traditional activities which ensure preservation of the ecosystems.

3. The Lahemaa National Park is a juridical body managed by a directorate. in order to solve essential problems concerning the development of the Lahemaa National Park the Council of the Lahemaa National Park with a consultative body is set up by the Government of the Republic of Estonia on the proposal of the Estonian Ministry of Environment, the Estonian Ministry of Culture and authorities of Harju and Lääne-Viru Counties.

4. The activities, protection regimes and regulations on supervision as well as organization of the management of the Lahemaa national Park proceeding from its main purposes and tasks are regulated by the statute of the Lahemaa National Park confirmed by the Government of the Republic of Estonia.

5. The activities of the Lahemaa National Park are regulated by this Law, the Statute of the Lahemaa National Park and by corresponding international agreements. The activities of the Lahemaa National Park are financed from the state budget and the fund of the Lahemaa National Park.

6. The main tasks of the Lahemaa National Park are.

1) to investigate the ecosystems of the national park as a background area of natural environment, ensure the stability of ecosystems and the maintenance of the cultural heritage;

2) to enact regimes for the protection and utilization of the environment and the natural resources, set up regulations for visitors and supervision;

3) to sponsor educational work in the field of nature protection, arrange introduction of the national park and promotion of the ideas of nature management;

7. In order to ensure the fulfillment of the main tasks the Lahemaa National Park:

1) lays down conditions proceeding from protection regimes to be considered when granting permits and concluding contracts between local governments and institutions applying for the use of environment and natural resources;

2) lays down conditions proceeding from protection regimes to be considered by corresponding authorities when granting permits to enterprises for starting activities and making land allotments;

3) lays down conditions under which management of forest, land, water, mineral, game and fish resources may be carried on and which must be considered when drawing up technological schemes and projects for their utilization;

4) lays down conditions to be considered when setting up constructions, reconstructing landscapes or buildings in the way which might change their outward appearance and when drawing up corresponding projects for these activities;

5) lays down conditions under which real property operations may be carried on while the Lahemaa National Park is granted the privilege in making a deal.

8. Fulfillment of the conditions, presented by the Lahemaa National park and laid down in p. 7 of the present Law is obligatory.

9. In accordance with the regulations laid down the Lahemaa National Park may

1) establish special funds and capitals in order to fulfil its tasks, participate in enterprising activities if they are in harmony with the main tasks of the national park;

2) carry out foreign economic operations and become a member of international or foreign organizations.

10. The Lahemaa National Park is entitled the rights and powers of a state nature protection agency within its borders.

11. The Lahemaa National Park is obliged to fulfil its aims, carry out the tasks laid on the park, keep accounts of its activities and present a report in accordance with the regulations in force. The Lahemaa National Park is liable for its activities in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Estonia.

12. The basic land tenure of the Lahemaa National Park embraces reserves, areas where special nature protection regimes are followed and other territories necessary for the main activities of the Lahemaa National Park.

13. Decision on reorganization of the Lahemaa National Park or liquidation of its activities is taken by the highest legislative body of the republic of Estonia.

A.RÜÜTEL

Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Estonia

REPUBLIC OF ESTONIA

RESOLUTION OF THE SUPREME COUNCIL

ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LAW ON THE LAHEMAA NATIONAL PARK

27 March, 1991

The Supreme Council of the Republic of Estonia agrees upon the following:

1. To confirm the border of the Lahemaa National Park in accordance with the appendices No 1-31.

2. The Government of the Republic of Estonia is to solve the problems connected with the management and protection regimes of Kõrvemaa, at present administered by the Pavlov Forestry Enterprise, and consider the possibilities of uniting this territory to the Lahemaa National Park.

Appendix:

No 1-30 - land border of the Lahemaa National Park

No 31 - sea border of the Lahemaa National Park

 

A.RÜÜTEL

Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Estonia