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
Digest of environmental crimes: the fight for nature reserves, millions from mineral resources and pollution
Digest of environmental crimes: the fight for nature reserves, millions from mineral resources and pollution

The former director of one of the branches of ‘Forests of Ukraine’ has been charged with negligence, which led to 226 hectares of state-owned forest becoming ‘Medvedchuk’s holiday home’

8,000 hectares of woodland have been planted in southern Ukraine over the past three years: how the climate is affecting this
8,000 hectares of woodland have been planted in southern Ukraine over the past three years: how the climate is affecting this

To establish forests in southern Ukraine, it is necessary to carefully select tree species and tend to the young plantations for years on end

Despite assets worth 27 million hryvnias of dubious origin, the State Bureau of Investigation has closed the case against the former director of a forestry enterprise in Volyn
Despite assets worth 27 million hryvnias of dubious origin, the State Bureau of Investigation has closed the case against the former director of a forestry enterprise in Volyn

A person implicated in a case of illicit enrichment continued to work at one of the forestry offices of the state-owned enterprise ‘Forests of Ukraine’

Age, disease and ‘black loggers’: why Ukraine’s forest belts are disappearing and why they are needed
Age, disease and ‘black loggers’: why Ukraine’s forest belts are disappearing and why they are needed

Their restoration is consistently hampered by red tape and a lack of funding in local communities