Kedr.Media has examined commercial and infrastructure projects that could gain new opportunities if legislation allowing changes to the boundaries of specially protected natural areas is adopted.
Government bill No. 1096223-8 was introduced in the State Duma in December 2025 and passed its first reading on March 18, 2026. It would create a mechanism for changing the boundaries of protected areas and allow certain federal and regional projects to be located within them.
In its report “Crossing the Boundaries”, Kedr examines, among other cases, interest in gold mining near Yugyd Va National Park, tourism projects in the area of the Caucasus Nature Reserve and other protected territories where development plans have previously emerged.
The bill’s second reading was moved from the spring to the autumn parliamentary session. As of October 16, it had still passed only its first reading, while more than 100 scientists and environmental specialists had urged lawmakers to revise its provisions before further consideration.
The projects described by Kedr therefore cannot be presented as consequences of a law that has already entered into force. The outlet treats them as examples of territories and commercial interests that could be affected by the proposed legislative changes.