This Model Law on ecological disaster zones establishes a legal framework for designating, managing, and rehabilitating territories severely affected by environmental degradation. Its primary objective is to protect public health and ensure citizens’ rights to a favorable environment by defining criteria for identifying ecological disaster zones, assessing environmental and health risks, and implementing urgent measures to stabilize environmental conditions. The Law provides key definitions, principles, and the scope of regulation, emphasizing the need for scientifically grounded assessments, risk evaluation, environmental monitoring, and transparency in decision-making. The Law outlines a comprehensive institutional structure, allocating responsibilities among state authorities, regional bodies, and local governments. These authorities are tasked with establishing policies, determining criteria for ecological disaster zones, coordinating environmental and health assessments, and approving or removing such designations. It also ensures public participation by granting citizens and organizations access to information, involvement in decision-making, and the right to initiate environmental actions. The process for declaring a zone includes scientific evaluation, environmental expertise, and government approval, supported by detailed documentation on environmental conditions, health impacts, and proposed remedial measures. To address ecological crises, the Law introduces a state-targeted program aimed at restoring affected territories within a defined timeframe through coordinated environmental, social, and economic measures. It establishes strict regulatory regimes within disaster zones, including restrictions on harmful activities, environmental audits, public health interventions, and potential relocation of populations. Financial mechanisms involve state and local budgets, dedicated funds, incentives, and mandatory environmental risk insurance to support recovery efforts. The Law also regulates liability, compensation for damage, and legal responsibility for violations, and sets conditions for lifting the disaster status once environmental stability and public health improvements are achieved.
2009-12-03