The Milli Majlis (National Assembly) of Azerbaijan has approved amendments to the Law on Protection of Greenery in its first reading, focusing on the management of vegetation on agricultural lands. The changes specifically address the removal of greenery on lands designated for planting and perennial crops.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the draft law stipulates that restoration value will no longer be required for the removal of shrubs, flowers, and herbaceous plants on these specific agricultural plots. The legislation also refines the legal definitions of "tree" and "shrub" to ensure clarity in enforcement. A tree is defined as a perennial plant with a single woody trunk and a crown, while a shrub is characterized as a perennial plant with multiple woody stems branching from the ground without a single dominant trunk.
Under the new regulations, a notification procedure will be established for the removal of shrubs. Applicants must submit detailed information through an electronic information system, including the species, quantity, height, and photographs of the plants, as well as documentation proving land ownership or lease rights. The relevant executive authority has 10 calendar days to raise objections based on legal requirements; if no objection is received within this period, the applicant may proceed with the removal. The law strictly prohibits the submission of false or distorted information during this process.
These legislative updates aim to streamline land management for farmers and agricultural enterprises in Azerbaijan, reducing bureaucratic hurdles in the maintenance of productive lands. The Milli Majlis (National Assembly) frequently reviews environmental and agrarian legislation to align with the country's economic development goals and land-use efficiency. This move is part of a broader effort by the government of Azerbaijan to modernize the legal framework governing the agricultural sector while maintaining ecological standards.
