In Uzbekistan, it is allowed to rent reservoirs

Starting from October 1 of this year in Uzbekistan, entrepreneurs can rent state-owned natural and artificial water bodies (reservoirs) and non-agricultural land around them.  This is stated in the decision “On improving the procedure for using water bodies for the needs of fisheries, as well as measures to develop fisheries and coastal tourism” signed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on August 18 of this year.

From October 1, 2023, the following will be leased to business entities through an online auction through the E-auction electronic trading platform:

• natural and artificial water bodies (reservoirs) owned by the state

• non-agricultural land plots around rivers

According to the decision, the association “Uzbekbaliqsanoat” will hand over to organizations of the Ministry of Ecology for effective use within two weeks the natural water bodies with low reproductive value and no permanent ichthyofauna.

Also, in the decision, in 2023-2024, cattle breeding and fishing and coastal tourism in ten reservoirs – Andijan, Topalang, Ohangaron, Zomin, Qamashi, Chimkurgan, Pachkamar, Chortoq, Khojikent and Ghazalkent  organization of objects is envisaged.

50% of the funds received from the lease of natural water bodies will be transferred to the Ecology Fund, 40% to the Fisheries Development Fund, and 10% to the Center for Effective Use of State Property under State Assets Management.

In addition, 90% of the funds received from the increase of natural water bodies for commercial purposes and leasing for purposes other than fishing will be transferred to the Ecology Fund, and 10% will be transferred to the Center for Effective Use of State Property under the State Asset Management Agency.