News
Nino Tandilashvili: "New Forest Code will improve the Forest Ecosystem and Management"
New Forest Code prepared by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture was discussed and approved at the Natural Resources Committee of the Parliament of Georgia at the second hearing.
The Keynote Speaker -Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Nino Tandilashvili noted, that new code will further improve the forest ecosystem and management in the country.
‘’Sustainable forest management system will be established in accordance with the new code, which will regulate forest care, restoration, management and inventory related issues that haven’t been regulated before. According to the new code, in 2023 the practice of social cutting or cutting trees for personal or commercial purposes will be completely banned.
By 2023, log sort yards will be established in all municipalities of Georgia to enable forest management authorities to undertake forestry related activities, including access to timber resources, as well as wood and lumber manufacturing. Certain mechanisms are being developed for socially vulnerable people to make timber resources available for them for free. In addition, new code will promote employment of local people, in fact, employment of local residents is a priority issue in the above mentioned process ”Nino Tandilashvili said.
At the committee session, the Deputy Minister commented on the European Commission 2019 report and noted, that it was for the first time over the recent years, when the report included remarks towards the New Forest Code of Georgia, according to which, the adoption of a New Forest Code is crucial, as far as it will enable establishment of sustainable forest management principles in the country.
“The same report indicates, that the country is making progress in fulfilling its environmental obligations under the Association Agreement. Obviously similar assessment is very important, although we should continue fulfilling obligations taken under the Association Agreement. The Ministry has prepared several important bills, which will be submitted to the Parliament in the nearest future. The European Commission report indicates, that the Forest Code is under review and its adoption and implementation in a short period of time is one of the crucial issues for Georgian Parliament as well as for the Government" the Deputy Minister said.
The essential part of the Code, which aims to establish the legal basis for sustainable forest management, will be enforced from January 1, 2021.