TREES WILL BE LOGGED BY GOVERNMENT DECREE
KarabakhOpen
09-11-2007 18:07:55
Logging of forests has been prohibited by a decree of the prime
minister, and from now on logging will be by government decree only,
said the vice premier of NKR, the minister of agriculture Armo Tsatryan
in an interview with Karabakh-Open.com. The decision was made in a
recent consultation on the activity of Artsakh Forest.
According to Armo Tsatryan, complaints came from people on illegal
logging, "although the leadership of Artsakh Forest denies it",
the government held a consultation on it.
It is not a secret that forests were being logged for a number of
years. The problem has been raised at different levels, including at
the National Assembly. As a result the forests near settlements have
been destroyed, whereas in unreachable parts it is impossible to cut
even the sick trees.
The lack of roads helped save forests in some parts.
"From now on all the issues concerning logging will be solved by
the government," Armo Tsatryan says. In the beginning, Artsakh
Forest, now a closed joint-stock company, will be reorganized into
a state non-profit organization. It will deal with preservation and
reproduction of forests. It will also express its opinion on government
decisions regarding logging.
"Some of the powers of Artsakh Forest will pass to the government. Now
we do not have to take rough measures because we cannot afford to
work out a program of protection and reproduction of the forest. Last
time a program was worked out in 1981-1983 for a ten-year period,"
the minister added.
According to Armo Tsatryan, now the government is addressing the
financial problems regarding the Artsakh Forest company.