Number of illegal tree cutting decreased

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 21, ARMENPRESS: The number of illegal tree cutting has decreased in Armenia. According to the official data, the number of the illegal tree cutting registered this year is 2 064, in 2009 – 2 287. This number is 30 times smaller than the index registered in 2000 – 61 219.

Director of “Hayantar” Martun Matevosyan told Armenpress that several factors have promoted the decrease of the volume of cutting of trees. “Beginning from 2004, large-scale gasification works have started. As of 2009 the number of gas consumers has added nearly 5 times.

On the other hand, the legislative field has changed, numerous legal actions have been adopted, which have contributed to solution of the issue this or that way,” he said, adding that Armenia has the strictest legislation in the region in this field. From 2005 up to now “Hayantar” has planted about 12 million trees with the support of different international organizations. Currently a pilot program is worked out with the support of the World Bank to make the way from forest to use of wood transparent.

Trees are signed, which gives an opportunity to follow their “destiny”. This program will first be applied in Dilijan National Park and in one of forest economies. Later, when it will become clear, how much financial investment it requires, an attempt will be made to introduce this system into all forest economies. “Eventually tree cutting is an issue, which is not possible to eliminate finally, just it is necessary to fight against reduction of its volumes,” Mr. Matevosyan said.