Law on the Protection of Marine and Freshwater Coasts, Shores and Banks (proclaimed by Resolution No. 517 of 1995). Country/Territory Estonia Document type Legislation Date 1995 Source FAO, FAOLEX Original source Legal Acts of Estonia, No. 6 of 16 June, 1995, pp. 180-186. Subject Land & soil, Sea Keyword Coastal zone management Authorization/permit Liability/compensation Offences/penalties Basic legislation Management/conservation Geographical area Europe, Europe and Central Asia, European Union Countries, Northern Europe Abstract The purpose of this Law is to provide for the protection and management of coast, shore and bank areas. Protection and management shall be based on principles of sustainable development and preservation of biological diversity (art. 1). Article 2 defines coasts, shores and banks as land areas bordering the sea, lakes, rivers, reservoirs and water courses, which for the purposes of this Law start at the "mean" water level line (art. 2). Provisions of Chapter 2 determine the extent of coastal, shore and banks areas in zones of low density and high density of population and regulate the modification of such areas. Chapter 3 mainly specifies restrictions on the use of coastal, shore and bank areas in zones of low density of population and places restrictions on the use of natural resources. All economic activities shall be prohibited in water protection zones in low density of population zones and specified activities shall be prohibited in the other parts of such zones. Construction undertaken in high density of population zones shall be in conformity with general and detailed plans and shall be permitted only in specified cases. Chapter 4 provides for use of beaches by the general public or for special purposes. Chapter 5 formulates liability for offences, provides for enforcement and exempts land situated in a water protection zone from land tax. Chapter 6 contains final provisions. (21 articles) Full text English References - Legislation Repealed by Nature Conservation Act (2004). Legislation | Estonia | 2004 (2023) Keyword: Protected area, Ecosystem preservation, Protection of habitats, Cultural heritage, Subsidy/incentive, Biodiversity, Sustainable use, Education, Research, Sustainable development, Water conservation zone, Inland waters, Wetlands, Surface water, Coastal zone management, Basic legislation, Wild fauna, Wild flora, Wildlife products, Management/conservation, Access and benefit-sharing, Trade in species Source: FAO, FAOLEX