Environmentalists Slam New Micro-Reserve Regulations

This week, the Latvian government approved amendments to micro-reserve regulations, drawing sharp criticism from environmental protection groups. According to nature advocates, the new rules significantly undermine the ability to protect specially protected species and habitats in forests.

Previously, if citizens spotted valuable natural features, they could submit a form for a micro-reserve, and state institutions were required to hire an expert to assess the situation. The amended regulations now place this responsibility on citizens themselves – they must find and pay for the expert out of their own pockets.

Environmentalists warn that this will severely hinder the establishment of micro-reserves and could lead to the loss of natural values. The amendments have not yet taken effect, but organizations are urging the government to reconsider the decision and restore the previous system where expert provision was a state duty.