CURRENT ISSUES OF OWNERSHIP OF FOREST FUND IN KAZAKHSTAN AND UZBEKISTAN

The article analyzes current problems of legal regulation of forest fund ownership in the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Republic of Uzbekistan. Property relations related to the forest fund are examined based on civil, forest, and land legislation. Special attention is paid to the works of researchers illuminating the legal status of the forest fund and forest fund lands. The analysis showed that forests in Uzbekistan are exclusively state property, which corresponds to the constitutional principle of recognizing natural resources as national property. However, such an approach creates a number of problems related to the restriction of private initiative, insufficient regulation of usage rights, and weak institutional control mechanisms. In Kazakhstan, on the contrary, along with the state form of ownership, private ownership of forest plantations of artificial origin is recognized. This opens up opportunities for attracting investments and developing market mechanisms in the forestry sector, but at the same time requires strengthening state control, preventing legal conflicts, and ensuring environmental sustainability. The article also highlights key contradictions and gaps in legal regulation, proposes measures to improve the legislative framework, digitalize cadastral accounting, and implement public-private partnership mechanisms. Comparative analysis allowed for the conclusion that effective forest management should combine ecological, economic, and legal approaches, prioritizing the protection of forests as a national treasure and a condition for sustainable development. Based on the research results, a number of scientific ideas of practical importance have been put forward.