LACK OF FOREST MANAGEMENT PLANS RESULTS IN ILLEGAL TREE FELLING IN ARMENIA

ARKA
March 27, 2009

YEREVAN, March 27. /ARKA/. The lack of forest management plans
results in illegal tree felling in Armenia, Martun Matevosyan,
Director General of the Hayantar (Armforest) nonprofit organization,
RA Ministry of Agriculture, told a news conference.

"Efficient forest management is impossible without planning," he
said. Matevosyan also pointed out the importance of separating forest
management from forest utilization.

He added that the organization is exercising a strict supervision of
its staff to prevent illegal tree felling.

"Last year about 100 foresters and other employees were dismissed
for being involved in illegal tree felling," Matevosyan said.

A total of 2,080 cases of illegal tree felling were registered in
Armenia last year, which caused 85mln AMD (over $230,000) damage to
the state. Over 430 cases were registered in the 1st quarter of 2009,
which caused 25mln AMD (about $68,000) damage.