Science and Education in Karakalpakstan issn 2181-9203 Science Magazine chief editor

INTRODUCTION. 
Rational use of natural resources means "appropriation by members of society of useful 
parts of nature in order to meet their own needs." Or, he writes, the okilon use of natural resources 
is a set of scientifically sound state programs and plans, legislative acts aimed at using land, subsoil, 
water resources, atmospheric air, flora and fauna in order to meet the various needs of society. 
That is, the concept of rational use of natural resources in this matter is a scientifically based 
system of socio–economic, environmental and cultural and recreational activities aimed at meeting 
the socio-economic, cultural and recreational needs of society, compliance with the requirements of 
protection of natural resources in the process of economic and other activities, restoration and 
conservation of natural resources." In our opinion, all the above definitions of the concept of 
rational use of natural resources are descriptions aimed at the same meaning, complementing each 
other in content. In particular, the third definition describes more clearly the essence of the rational 
use of natural resources. 
Rational use of natural resources is an important rule for maintaining a balance between 
man, nature and society. N.F.Reimers, on the other hand, understands by "rational use of natural 
resources" a system of activities aimed at ensuring the economically rational use of natural 
resources, as well as the effective order and conditions of their reproduction, taking into account 
developing economic interests and prospects for conservation people's health". According to the 
author, "rational use of natural resources is a form of highly efficient farming, in which humanity is 
not yet ready socio–economically for a sharp reduction in natural resources and does not cause 
profound changes in the environment " [1. pp. 405-406]. 
In other scientific literature on ecology, it is noted that the rational use of natural resources is 
"the process of ensuring the necessary economic effect in the implementation of the goals of the use 
of natural resources, as well as the simultaneous protection of the natural resource used and the 
environment as a whole" [2. B.31.].
Based on the considerations expressed in the special scientific literature, when interpreting 
the rational use of natural resources, it is necessary to ensure by legal means the priority of the 
environmental aspect of nature management, as well as to take into account environmentally 
significant requirements when planning and implementing activities that can have a negative impact 
on the economic and other environment.
In other words, legal scholars in the field of environmental law, when defining the concept 
of rational use of natural resources, assess the rational use of natural resources and environmental 
protection as two important institutions that are inextricably linked. That is, the goal of rational use 
of natural resources is achieved by ensuring compliance with environmental requirements of nature 
protection.

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