The Latvian Orienteering Federation (LOF) has voiced strong opposition to the proposed regulation by the Nature Conservation Agency (DAP), which is introducing a fee structure for public sporting events held in state-managed natural territories. The changes come in response to budget cuts from the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development that have affected the DAP's financing, pushing them to generate revenue through the imposition of participation fees for events held in highly protected natural areas.

The DAP has submitted a pricing list for government approval, which outlines specific fees based on the number of participants in events. For gatherings of 100 to 200 participants, a fee of 110 euros will be charged, escalating to 300 euros for 201 to 500 participants, and reaching as high as 1,600 euros for events with up to 3,000 participants. This proposed charge has raised concerns among organizers and participants alike, as it could severely hinder access to these natural venues for sporting events, which are meant to promote outdoor activities and environmental awareness.

The LOF argues that this move could discourage public engagement in outdoor sports and affect the overall health and fitness of the population. By imposing financial barriers, not only would it limit the frequency and size of orienteering events, but it could also deter newcomers from participating. The Federation is alerting other sports organizations to join in their call against these regulations, highlighting a potential conflict between conservation efforts and public sporting activities.