Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- At the 54th plenary session of the Senate, the Law "On Amendments and Additions to Certain Legislative Acts of the Republic of Uzbekistan" was considered.

It was noted that the number of rare and endangered species of animals and plants is currently increasing. For example, while 184 species of animals and 304 species of plants were included in the Red Book of the Republic of Uzbekistan in 2009, by 2019, this figure had risen to 206 (+22) and 314 (+10) species, respectively.

This Law introduces changes and additions to a number of the country's laws aimed at limiting the extraction from the natural environment of rare and endangered species of wild plants and wild animals included in the Red Book of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

In particular, it is provided that protected natural areas can be created in the habitats of rare and endangered species of wild plants to preserve and protect them. These areas can be used for scientific research purposes.

The law also provides that permits for the extraction of certain rare and endangered species of wild plants listed in the Red Book by the Cabinet of Ministers may be restricted. The grounds and the duration of the restrictions on the extraction of rare and endangered species of wild plants and their parts from the natural environment are determined by the Cabinet of Ministers based on proposals submitted by the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change, considering the conclusions of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Additionally, the law clarifies the powers of state bodies in the field of ecology and forestry. Definitions related to wastewater disposal services in laws and codes are brought in line with the norms of the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On Drinking Water Supply and Wastewater Disposal."

It was noted that the adoption of this Law ensures the effective organization of state management in the field of ecology, increases the number of rare and endangered species of wild plants and wild animals included in the Red Book of the Republic of Uzbekistan, improves their habitat conditions, and ensures uniform law enforcement practices in the field of public utilities and environmental sustainability in the country.

The Law was approved by the senators.