Decree No. 631 of the Council of Ministers validating the Regulation on “Shvakshty” national hydrogeological biosphere reserve.

“Shvakshty” national hydrogeological biosphere reserve national biosphere reserve shall be allotted the area of 5603 hectares in the province of Vitebsk and shall have as its purpose the conservation of the rare and precious forest ecosystems with rare and endangered wails fauna and wild flora species recorded in the Red Book, and also existing hydrological regime in its natural state. The following activities shall be prohibited on the territory of “Shvakshty” national hydrogeological biosphere reserve: (a) clean cutting and intermediate cutting; (b) land reclamation and any other activity causing change of landscape and the existing hydrological regime; (c) burning out dry vegetation; (d) extraction of peat; (e) hunting; (f) introduction of alien species; and (g) setting up tourist camps. The proclamation of “Shvakshty” national hydrogeological biosphere reserve shall not entail the expropriation of land. The regional executive bodies shall be the managing authority of “Shvakshty” national hydrogeological biosphere reserve.