Annotation

The article analyzes changes to environmental legislation over a long period, as they relate to the legal status of specially protected natural areas. Four groups of changes are identified. These changes, to varying degrees, have influenced the original concept of creating specially protected natural areas and have led to a reduction in the number of categories of specially protected natural areas with absolute reserve status. The objective of tourism development, assigned to nature reserves and other specially protected natural areas, has led to the inclusion of new regulations related to permitting the construction of various types of facilities in these areas. Capital construction projects and other facilities inevitably impact the environment, which is intended to be subject to special protection measures.