Rangeland Law

The Law sets provisions to preserve rangelands and to make sustainable use of rangelands in the country. The Rangeland Law consists of 20 articles, divided into 4 Chapters: General Provisions (I); Special Rangelands (II); General Rangelands (III); Miscellaneous Provisions (IV). The law is extended to all areas covered by fodder and natural bushes, including rangelands in the plains, hills, mountains and their hillsides, riversides, and forests. General rangelands, as rangelands located outside the limits of cities and villages, may be used by all people but the right is only limited to use for animal grazing. Special rangelands, which are located within the limit of a city or a village, if does not belong to any individual, may be used by local people. The right to use any special rangeland is not transferable to others. Buy, sell, and rent of special rangelands are prohibited by this Law. However, barren rangelands may be sold, bought or be rented. The special rangelands may be used for installation of development project’ infrastructure. Private rangelands may be occupied by authorities by direct decision of Council of Ministers, if the rangeland, the field, or watercourses inside the rangeland is in danger. Grazing of goats and camels in the forests is prohibited by this Law. The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock is the authority responsible to implement the provisions of this Law.