Uzbek Lawmakers Back Stronger Protection for Forest Land

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The Legislative Chamber of Uzbekistan's Oliy Majlis has approved in its second reading a draft law introducing amendments to the Land Code aimed at strengthening the protection of forest fund land.

Lawmakers said the bill would incorporate into the Land Code provisions establishing special protection for forest fund land.

Under the draft law, forest fund land will be classified as specially protected land. Its reclassification into another land category will be permitted only by a decision of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

At present, the reclassification of forest fund land is governed by regulations approved under a Cabinet of Ministers resolution.

According to the bill's authors, the legislation will strengthen the protection of forest fund land, create conditions for expanding its area and help maintain the stability of ecological systems.

Following discussion, lawmakers approved the draft law in its second reading.