Regional Act No. 20 on the protection and improvement of monumental trees. Country/Territory Italy Territorial subdivision Veneto Document type Legislation Date 2002 Source FAO, FAOLEX Subject Wild species & ecosystems Keyword Wild flora Cultural heritage Offences/penalties Protection of species Geographical area Alps, Europe, Europe and Central Asia, European Union Countries, Mediterranean, Southern Europe Abstract The present Regional Act aims at protecting and improving the regional landscape and environmental resources. To this end, it lays down rules to determine and protect the regional monumental trees of a great naturalistic, cultural or historical value. Article 2 gives the definition of monumental trees,which shall be protected either because they constitute rare examples of longevity and majesty, or because they represent a significant reference from a historical or cultural point of view. The Regional List of Monumental Trees shall be set up under the Regional Agricultural Agency and shall be updated periodically (art. 3). Article 4, paragraph 4 prohibits the felling, deterioration or structural modification of those trees which are registered in the above-mentioned List. Nevertheless, the felling shall be admitted in case of public safety or phytosanitary emergency. In such case, however, trees of similar species may be planted upon provision of the competent Commune. Article 5 lays down penalties. Full text Italian Website www.regione.veneto.it