Uzbekistan bans privatization of public recreation land

According to the Ministry of Justice, a new law introduces changes and additions to several legal acts, prohibiting the privatization or any other form of alienation of state-owned land intended to serve the cultural, domestic, and recreational needs of the population.

Additionally, the construction of buildings and facilities on such land, as well as the expansion of construction sites or the reduction of the designated area, is strictly prohibited.

The Criminal Code has been amended to reinforce criminal liability for unauthorized allocation of such land in violation of the established restrictions.

The law also introduces defined categories for land use permissions, classifying them into primary, conditionally permitted, and auxiliary uses.

Furthermore, botanical gardens have been designated as protected natural areas, and any activity that poses a threat to plant biodiversity within their territory is now strictly prohibited.