LEGAL MECHANISMS OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN DECISION-MAKING IN THE FIELD OF LAND RESOURCES USE

The article examines mechanisms for public participation in decision-making regarding the use of land resources in Kazakhstan. The research is conducted as part of the program-targeted financing project of the Science Committee of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The main focus is on local self-governance, participatory budgets, and public oversight. Local self-governance in Kazakhstan is based on the Constitution and ensures citizens' rights to independently address local matters. However, the realization of this right is often limited by regulatory barriers and dependence on decisions made by governmental authorities. This hinders citizens' participation in governance and reduces the effectiveness of local self-governance. The participatory budget (PB) has become an important tool that allows residents to directly influence the allocation of local budget funds. The practice of PB, especially in large cities such as Almaty, demonstrates its potential for improving the urban environment. However, expanding this practice requires larger investments and the inclusion of a broader range of projects that can be proposed by citizens. Public oversight serves as a counterbalance to governmental activities, encouraging transparency and accountability. The 2023 Law "On Public Oversight" establishes the legal framework for citizens' participation in monitoring the actions of governmental bodies. A successful example of public oversight is the "Zher Amanaty" project, aimed at reclaiming unused agricultural lands. The article emphasizes the need to increase citizen engagement and trust in government bodies, which would make land resource management more transparent and effective. Improving the legal framework, developing local self-governance institutions, and adapting international experience can help address existing issues and improve the quality of land resource management in Kazakhstan.