Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 5 May, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a law introducing amendments to existing legislation aimed at protecting green spaces such as parks, public gardens, alleys, and recreational areas, the Ministry of Justice reported.

Under the new amendments, the privatization or any other transfer of state-owned land designated for cultural and recreational use is now prohibited.

The law also bans the construction of new buildings or structures on these lands, the expansion of existing ones, and any reduction in the size of such areas.

Botanical gardens have officially been recognized as protected natural areas, where any activity posing a threat to plant life is forbidden.

The law also defines permissible types of land use. Violations of the new regulations carry criminal liability: illegal transfer of public land intended for recreation may result in a fine ranging from 300 to 360 sizes of basic estimated value (BEVs), correctional labor for 2 to 3 years, or imprisonment for 5 to 7 years, along with restriction of certain rights.

During discussions in the Senate, it was revealed that 184 parks across the country had experienced reductions in green areas and forests. A total of 944 buildings and structures covering 431,600 square meters (43.16 hectares) had been constructed within these parks.

Additionally, 91 illegal structures (7,600 sq m) were identified in 18 parks, along with 1,248 unauthorized amusement rides installed in 98 parks. There were also instances of park land being transferred to local government reserve funds and alienated.