Protection of the forests has always been in the focus of the Ministry along with restoration of the forests and afforesting since the establishment of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources.  It is the result of effective policy provided by the Ministry that year after year reduction in the level of illegal destruction of the forests was achieved.  Instruction has been prepared “on organization of operative control over illegal forest destructions and other violations” for the purposes of strengthening protection of the forest and at the same time “Rules of controlling the forest destructions and issuing distinguishing stamps and its usage in the system of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources” has been confirmed and previously used stamps have been changed.
At the same time we should note that at the result of effective measures in the area of protection of forests import of wood and wood materials have been increased. That is, if in 2003 volume of illegal cutting activity in the forest was 49 thousand sq.m then in 2007 this indicator reduced to 36% and was 31,4 thousand sw.m.
KEY TASKS PUT BEFORE THE MINISTRY IN 2008:
Realization of relevant measures in the direction of completion of execution of National Program regarding restoration and rise of the forests, minimize the forest legislation violations, effective and continuous use of forest resources, application of new technology in the forest industry and establishment of herbs, involvement of investments for the purpose of forest industry and realization of pilot projects.