A draft law proposing large-scale tightening of protections for green spaces has been submitted for public discussion in Kyrgyzstan.
The document proposes amendments to a number of legislative acts, from the Land Code to the Law on Environmental Protection.
A key provision is the introduction of mandatory compensatory greening: for every tree cut down, at least 10 new saplings must be planted and maintained for three years.
Other proposed measures include:
- banning the reduction of areas of parks, public gardens, and boulevards;
- requiring environmental impact assessments before tree removal;
- introducing a digital registry of all green spaces with public access;
- prohibiting development on green areas without their preservation;
- strengthening liability for damage to trees, including during construction.
According to the supporting document, the initiative is driven by a rise in illegal construction and mass tree felling in populated areas.
The law’s adoption is expected to create a system to protect the country’s «green framework» and improve the environmental safety in urban areas.
