National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Under the new amendments, environmentally protected areas will be subject not only to the restrictions already established for resort and recreational zones, but also to additional environmental protection measures. In particular, any activities that may disrupt ecosystem stability, alter the natural landscape, or negatively affect the hydrogeological condition of groundwater resources will be prohibited.

The law also bans the construction and operation of industrial facilities that may have a harmful impact on natural sites and ecosystems. In addition, the production, distribution, supply, and sale of certain plastic products — the list of which will be approved by the Cabinet of Ministers — will be prohibited, with the exception of products made from natural organic polymers.

Furthermore, businesses operating facilities that generate wastewater, as well as car wash facilities located within environmentally protected areas, will be required to install wastewater treatment systems, connect to specialized sewage networks for properly treated discharge, or use alternative wastewater storage solutions. The mandatory introduction and effective use of water recycling systems is also is stipulated by the law.

The amendments further prohibit any other activities found, through the state environmental assessment process, to have a negative impact on protected natural areas and ecosystems.

The law will enter into force three months after its official publication.