Ukraine will finally ban clear-cutting in the Carpathians in three years

Ukraine will finally ban clear-cutting in the Carpathians in three years shutterstock

Elizaveta Volkotrub

The new regulation introduces a clear control system and simplifies the process of forest restoration after hostilities

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved a ban on clear-cutting in the mountain forests of the Carpathian region. The document will come into force three years after its approval.

This was reported by the press service of the State Agency of Forest Resources on Facebook.

It is noted that the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved the resolution "Some issues of forestry during the period of martial law and amendments to the resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine of May 12, 2007 No. 724". This resolution prohibits deforestation in the Carpathians three years after its approval and introduces a forestry system based on the principles of close-to-nature forestry.

It is reported that the resolution defines the specifics of logging related to the need for state defense and security for the period of martial law and within six months from the date of its termination or cancellation. Felling will now be carried out at the request of military administrations in accordance with a clearly defined procedure.

It was also announced that the resolution makes changes to the Rules for improving the qualitative composition of forests, in terms of conducting reshaping fellings based on the principles of forestry close to nature with the aim of the widest application of a selective and gradual felling system that corresponds to international practice. The transition to a selective felling system is expected to increase the annual growth of stands and ensure continuous and rational use of the forest.

"Yes, this really means that you will no longer see the "bald" Carpathians, and the permitting procedure defined by Resolution 454 minimizes the negative consequences of military actions for the forest, introduces a clear system of control, prevents abuse and simplifies the process of restoring forests after hostilities," – summarized in the press service.

As EcoPolitic previously reported, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved the rules for felling trees and shrubs and using this wood in forest areas not intended for forestry.

Related
Logging without hindrance: communities are seeking to bring about a change in the law
Logging without hindrance: communities are seeking to bring about a change in the law

According to activists, this also involves amendments to Ukraine’s Forest Code

The first batch of wind turbine blades has been manufactured and transported in Transcarpathia
The first batch of wind turbine blades has been manufactured and transported in Transcarpathia

The structures had to be transported at night so that the 74-metre-long load would not obstruct traffic

Rivers in Zakarpattia are drying up due to deforestation, off-roading and the construction of wind farms — says an environmentalist
Rivers in Zakarpattia are drying up due to deforestation, off-roading and the construction of wind farms — says an environmentalist

A separate issue is the drainage of marshes and floodplains, which is taking place due to the rapid urbanisation of Lviv and Uzhhorod

Fines for environmental offences could increase tenfold: on new draft legislation
Fines for environmental offences could increase tenfold: on new draft legislation

For breaching environmental safety regulations, an offender may face a fine of up to 170,000 UAH or be sentenced to ten years’ imprisonment