This Code regulates relations concerning the protection, use, management, reproduction and restoration of forests and forest resources in Turkmenistan. It establishes the legal framework for sustainable forest management and defines the composition of the forest fund, categories of forests, ownership arrangements, principles of forest legislation, and the rights and obligations of state authorities, forest holders and forest users. The forest fund is declared the exclusive property of the State and includes forests and forest lands managed for forestry purposes. Forests are classified as protective forests, special-purpose forests and production forests, each subject to specific management and use regimes. The Code sets out the institutional framework for forestry administration and supervision, including the functions of the Cabinet of Ministers, the authorized forestry authority, state forestry enterprises, local executive bodies and the State Forest Protection Service. It regulates possession and use of forest fund lands, conditions for long-term and short-term forest use, permits and contracts, logging operations, collection of forest resources and the use of forests for hunting, research, recreation, tourism and other purposes. It also establishes requirements for forest inventory, monitoring, forest management planning, the state forest cadastre and public access to information on forest conditions. The document contains provisions on reforestation, afforestation, forest reproductive materials and measures to increase forest cover and restore forest lands. It regulates compensation for losses affecting forests and forest users, establishes mechanisms for restoration of damaged forests, and sets out rules for forest protection and conservation. Particular attention is given to the prevention and suppression of forest fires, protection against pests and diseases, control of unlawful activities, conservation of forest resources, and the responsibilities of forest holders, forest users and public authorities in these areas. The Code provides for public participation in matters relating to forest protection and management, establishes rights to obtain information on forest conditions, and contains provisions on economic incentives, liability for violations of forest legislation, compensation for damage to forests, dispute settlement through the courts, and international cooperation in the field of forest conservation, protection, use and reproduction.
Туркменистан · 2011-03-25