A new regulation has been introduced in Uzbekistan for the collection of wild plants used as raw materials for medicinal, technical, and food needs. Now, the opportunity to harvest such plants is provided to entrepreneurs by participating in electronic auctions.
The volumes of collection will be strictly controlled in accordance with established ecological quotas. The bidding process is open and competitive, allowing any interested party to participate. Auction winners will receive permission to collect based on the auction protocol itself, bypassing the need for additional paperwork and fee payments.
Nevertheless, free collection of plants in unlimited volumes is prohibited. Annual quota approval is carried out by the National Committee on Ecology, which relies on the findings of the Academy of Sciences. This approach is aimed at accounting for the natural recovery capacity of natural resources and preventing illegal collection.
Previously, illegal harvesting of wild fennel was discovered in Navoi region. As a result of the violation, 7.5 thousand plants were damaged, and the total damage inflicted on nature exceeded 3 billion soms.