Land resources planning and management

Abstract

The majority of them are gravel and sand mining enterprises. The second (according numerosity) go enterprises engaged in peat extraction. These enterprises are small according to the number of working people in them, i.e. less than 50 people. Having made analyzes the authors of the article identified several key issues, such as: it is allowed to use natural resources without auction, conservation of the fertile layer of soil, recultivation of quarries and dissatisfaction of the population living not far from the operating quarries. The licences for the extraction (location) of mineral resources are given without contest (except oil), i.e. they are given to those, who were among the first to fill applications. In such case, not only principles of competition are violated, but the state does not receive all possible benefit from its property as well. Therefore, it is supposed that the licences for the extraction of mineral resources should be given only according to the set order (auction). Under current legislation, the environmental impact must be considered when mineral mining takes place in the land area of 25 ha and larger. Using underground resources (regardless of the size of the quarry) the natural environment is replaced, therefore it is necessary to assess the environmental impact in all cases. Landowners and land users exploiting mineral resources must keep to the requirements set by legal acts in order to preserve the fertile soil layer. In order to ensure the fertile layer of soil conservation and to improve the recultivation process the environmental education and knowledge of land owners and users on the use of mineral resources and environmental impact is necessary. The main territory planning aims are as follows: to preserve, rationally use and recreate natural resources, nature and cultural heritage valuables, among them – and recreational resources, to coordinate interests between physical and juridical persons and their groups, society, municipalities and the state over the conditions of the land plot use and activity development in this territory. When defining particular territory planning aims it is necessary to take into account society demands, peculiarities of the landscape of the planned territory, geographical conditions, urban, architecture, technical, environmental, heritage protection, agricultural purpose land use and management requirements, land and other immovable property users’ and third persons’ rights, state security and defence demands. Unlimited extraction of limited resources can cause serious problems of environmental protection. The article aims to analyse land resources‘ planning and usage problems. The object of the investigation were mineral resources in the territory of the Republic of Lithuania. Statistical analysis, questionnaire survey and comparison methods were used in the study. Objectives: to analyze the mineral resources areas and emerging issues as well as legislation governing those processes; to discuss fertile layer of soil conservation and mineral deposits recultivation problems. The number of enterprises having licences to use solid mineral resources, increased. In 2013, 234 enterprises had the licences for the engagement in the extraction of solid mineral resources, whereas in 1999, only 169 enterprises had such licences. It can be related with the increasing amounts of the building works of dwelling houses and roads during the latter years.