The Ruling on Natural and Marine Reserves

Question:
Honorable Shaykh, what is called today a natural reserve, for the purpose of protecting the animals and plants within it, or for tourism as in parks, is it permissible to protect it for this purpose? And likewise, what about marine reserves?

Answer:
This is if the one in authority sees a public benefit in it, because if the one in authority sees a public benefit in it, then he has the right to do so. This is the view of the majority of the Muslim community. As for the first view, it is that there is no ruling except for the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him). But the second view is that this is left to the judgment of the one in authority over the Muslims. So if there is a public benefit for them in it, he has the right to do so, and this is the position of 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him). That the one in authority may do what is in the public benefit of the Muslims. As for what is harmful to the Muslims, it is not permissible for the one in authority to do it.