President Ilham Aliyev has signed amendments to the law "On the Protection of Greenery," introducing new regulations regarding the removal of vegetation on agricultural lands designated for cultivation and perennial plantings.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the updated legislation stipulates that restoration costs will no longer be required for the removal of shrubs, flowers, and grasses on agricultural lands used for cultivation or perennial crops.
The legislative changes also clarify the definitions of trees and shrubs. A tree is defined as a perennial plant with a single woody main stem and a canopy, branching above the soil surface. A shrub is defined as a perennial plant with woody stems and a canopy, lacking a clearly defined main stem and branching from the root collar at the soil surface.
The law establishes a notification procedure for shrub removal. Applicants must provide detailed information, including the number, species, height, and photographs of the shrubs, as well as proof of land ownership or lease rights. The submission must be made through the information system designated by the relevant executive authority. Providing false or distorted information is strictly prohibited.
If the relevant authority does not issue an objection within 10 calendar days, the applicant may proceed with the removal. Any objections must be substantiated by references to specific regulatory legal acts.
This legislative update is part of broader efforts in Azerbaijan to streamline administrative procedures for land management and environmental protection. By digitizing these processes, the government aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles for farmers and landowners while maintaining oversight through the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources' "Digital Ecology" information system. The Cabinet of Ministers has been tasked with preparing proposals to implement these electronic procedures within three months.
