The government has clarified the rules for transferring part of Losiny Island to Moscow

The Russian government published resolution, confirming the transfer of part of the territory of the Losiny Ostrov National Park to the Moscow authorities. Also the city authorities are endowed powers to protect the park.

On July 10, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law allowing Moscow to transfer part of the powers to manage the territory of Losiny Ostrov, located within the city’s borders. According to the government decree, powers to organize, protect and use the territory of Losiny Island and its security zone, control and supervision are transferred from the federal authorities to Moscow. The metropolitan authorities are also given powers to protect and preserve biodiversity, protect forests and control socio-economic activities.

The head of the Department of Natural Resources Management and Environmental Protection of Moscow, Yulia Urozhaeva, told TASSthat the capital authorities will maintain a protective regime in the park in accordance with the law. According to her, Moscow will, in particular, be responsible for sanitary cleaning of the territory, fire safety measures and care for biodiversity.

In July, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin statedthat “Losiny Ostrov” is not planned to be developed after the transfer of part of the park to the jurisdiction of the capital. The rehabilitation project will be discussed with residents, the mayor said.

“Losiny Ostrov” is the largest forest area in Moscow, which also extends into the territory of the Moscow region (urban districts of Balashikha, Korolev, Mytishchi and Shchelkovo). The total territory of the park is 13 thousand hectares, the area in Moscow is 3 thousand hectares.