On the Protection of Living Beings

Petition addressed to: European Parliament, Latvian Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development, Ministry of Agriculture

I propose amendments to the Animal Protection Law, the Plant Protection Law, and the Environmental Protection Law, establishing that municipalities, public authorities, farmers, and other landowners responsible for public or private territories are obliged to preserve natural soil, vegetation, and water accessibility for animals and plants in accordance with the recommendations of nature conservation organisations, to restrict the use of substances harmful to the environment (such as synthetic pesticides and herbicides), and to leave at least 10% of their land area in a natural state in order to promote biodiversity and provide a suitable habitat for wildlife and pollinators.
To make this transition financially viable, I propose introducing tax relief for landowners who voluntarily exceed the minimum standards, and providing a transitional period so that farmers can adapt to the new requirements. In addition, I propose providing free consultations from municipalities on environmentally friendly land management, and establishing a certification system that would give farmers market advantages.