Italian to English Law/Patents Law (general)

Can anyone help with the term "beni vincolati" applied to "beni ambientali" such as forests or areas of hydrogeological interest, as for example in the phrase: "il vincolo impone doveri negativi finalizzati alla conservazione dei beni vincolati". If possible, I would like to avoid such words as "assets", "goods" or "property" as the piece I'm translating (a law degree thesis) centres around the concept that natural elements have an intrinsic right to be protected, irrespective of their relationship to humans. Many thanks in advance for your suggestions.