LEGAL ASPECTS OF THE ESTABLISHMENT AND FUNCTIONING OF PROTECTED NATURAL AREAS IN UZBEKISTAN

The article examines the legal framework for regulating protected natural areas in the Republic of Uzbekistan as a key element of the state’s environmental policy. The current legislation, in particular the Law “On Protected Natural Areas” (PNA), and its practical application are considered. It is revealed that the PNA system includes various categories: state reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, nature parks, natural monuments, protected landscapes, and territories for the reproduction of individual species. Each category has a specific legal regime that determines permissible forms of economic activity and the degree of restrictions. Particular attention is paid to ecotourism as a promising area of sustainable development capable of providing funding for nature conservation subject to strict compliance with environmental standards. The paper notes the following problems with the current legislation: insufficient regulation of tourism organization procedures, weak monitoring mechanisms, insufficient coordination of government agencies, and limited participation of civil society. A proposal is made to amend Article 8 of the Law “On Specially Protected Natural Areas” aimed at regulating ecotourism, including establishing standards for permissible anthropogenic load and the procedure for issuing permits. It was concluded that improving legislation and introducing modern management tools (digitalization, GIS systems, and international standards) will strengthen conservation measures, develop ecotourism, and ensure a balance between environmental objectives and the interests of society.