This Law establishes the legal framework governing the conservation, protection, reproduction and use of fauna in the Republic of Armenia. It defines the objectives of preserving animal genetic resources and species diversity, protecting habitats, nesting areas and migration routes, regulating the use of fauna, and ensuring the protection of the rights and obligations of users. The Law applies to wild animal species, their communities, habitats, migration routes and nesting sites and establishes fauna as State property, except in cases provided by law. The Law sets out the institutional framework for fauna management and specifies the powers of the Government, the authorized State body, territorial authorities and local self-government bodies. It provides for the development of State programs and establishes mechanisms relating to the monitoring, accounting and cadastre of fauna, the conduct of scientific studies, and the maintenance of the Red Book of animals of the Republic of Armenia. The Law further regulates the determination and implementation of measures concerning rare and endangered species, population management and conservation activities. The Law contains provisions concerning the protection of fauna and habitats, including measures aimed at preventing illegal use, the deterioration of habitats, the introduction and spread of invasive alien animal species, and activities affecting species included in the Red Book. It regulates zoological collections and establishes rules governing the import, export and relocation of wild animals, including species covered by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The Law also regulates the use of fauna for agricultural, industrial, social, environmental, scientific, educational, health and reproduction purposes. It establishes requirements relating to contracts, permits, State duties and conditions of use, including specific rules for species included in the Red Book and for wild animals kept in captivity or semi-captivity. The Law further defines the rights and obligations of users, provides for State supervision, and establishes liability for violations of the legislation on fauna.
Armenia · 2000-04-03