This resolution aims to enhance the investment appeal of the Baikal Natural Territory through preservation of Lake Baikal’s unique environment.
Reference
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
submitted these amendments on the Government’s instructions.
The federal law On the Protection of Lake Baikal (hereinafter referred to as the Law) divides the Baikal Natural Territory into three environmental zones: central, buffer and atmospheric influence-related.
The Central Environmental Zone includes Lake Baikal and its islands, the water conservation area and protected natural areas.
Article 6 of the Law prohibits or restricts activities that have a negative influence on the unique ecosystem of Lake Baikal.
The Government’s Resolution No. 643 of 30 August 2001 ratifies a list of the types of activities prohibited in the Central Environmental Zone of the Baikal Natural Territory (hereinafter referred to as the List).
Restrictions on the types of activities permitted account for the low investment appeal of the Baikal Natural Territory, which impedes the creation of jobs and development of the Gates of Baikal Special Economic Zone (for tourism and recreation). The signed directive introduces amendments to the List to create environmentally safe production lines that will provide jobs for of the population in the Irkutsk Region, now that the environmentally hazardous enterprises have been eliminated. The other purpose is to create a favourable business climate for small and medium-sized business in priority areas of socio-economic development of the Baikal Natural Territory. The directive has lifted restrictions on the distribution in the Baikal Natural Territory of electricity generated outside its boundaries, and on the construction of bakeries, confectionaries and pasta factories.
The directive has imposed restrictions preventing the construction of new coal boilers (if it is possible to upgrade the existing ones) and a ban on the production of paper, cardboard, cellulose and cellulose products.
The adopted decisions will enhance the investment appeal of the Baikal Natural Territory as a special economic zone for tourism and recreation, ensure its socio-economic development and enhance the employment rate of the local population while preserving the unique environment of Lake Baikal.