Ministry of Ecology reports a decline in illegal tree logging

Inspectors from the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change, along with regional control departments, conduct regular inspections to prevent illegal logging. These efforts have led to a steady decline in violations, particularly involving valuable tree species protected under the moratorium.

A presidential decree issued on October 30, 2019, established a moratorium on logging valuable trees and shrubs not classified as part of the forest fund. This moratorium was extended indefinitely on December 30, 2021.

According to ministry statistics, 1,669 cases of illegal logging of valuable trees were recorded in 2022 — 2,513 cases (61%) fewer than in 2021. In 2023, the number of such cases dropped further to 1,097, representing a 35% decrease from 2022.

In 2024, 1,098 cases were recorded. Thanks to public oversight and preventive measures, authorities successfully prevented the logging of 142,135 valuable trees and 492,136 less valuable ones—saving a total of 634,271 trees.

The Ministry of Ecology strongly condemns illegal logging and remains committed to combating it through continuous monitoring and enforcement efforts.