Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia

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New Forest Code submitted by Georgian Government was sent to the Parliament for approval

The draft law "Forest Code" developed by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia was sent to the Parliament for approval. Basic principles and legal tools for forest management included in the forest code will become the basis for sustainable and multifunctional management of forests. The Code ensures protection of the biological diversity of Georgia’s forests, taking into consideration its ecological, social and economic functions. The Code aims to maintain and improve the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of forest.

It is noteworthy, that issuing long-term licenses for timber production will be banned under the New Code. The cutting of trees for personal, social purposes will be gradually abolished, instead of which a sustainable forest management model will be created.

The timber production will be made by the Forest Management Authority, which undertakes measures to maintain the ecological function of forests  and meet the social needs of people living in rural areas.

Therefore, measures will be implemented to reduce negative impact on forests including illegal cutting. Accordingly, efficient use of forest resources will be carried out to produce a timber production. Furthermore, to reduce the pressure on forests, following aspects will be considered under the renewed institutional model of the forest sector including to encourage the use of forests for outdoor recreation and to increase the importance of forestry in rural areas. 
Under the New Forest Code,  the recruitment and selection of professional staff for the forestry sector will be mandatory. The Forest Management Authority will engage foresters and forestry specialists in the forest management related issues.