Control over boxwood cutting has been tightened
The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture is enhancing control over the cutting of boxwood in anticipation of Palm Sunday. Cutting down, uprooting, or damaging boxwood branches is considered a punishable offense. The penalties have been increased, with fines ranging from 500 to 2,000 GEL. If the environmental damage exceeds 1,000 GEL, the case is classified as criminal.
In connection with Palm Sunday, the National Forestry Agency reminds the public that boxwood can only be sourced from privately owned nurseries and artificially grown plantations, accompanied by a certificate of origin issued by the local self-government.
“The Colchian boxwood is a species protected by the Red List, and its harvesting is prohibited in state forests. The National Forestry Agency urges the public not to violate the law, as strict sanctions will be enforced for any detected violations,” stated Kakha Tsertsvadze, Head of the National Forestry Agency.
It's important to note that boxwood logging has posed significant challenges in the country in recent years. In addition to pathogenic fungi, natural groves of Colchian boxwood are threatened by an invasive pest known as the boxwood borer.
Since 2016, the National Forestry Agency has been implementing comprehensive measures in damaged Colchian boxwood groves within managed forest areas. These measures include efforts to combat pests and diseases, as well as conservation initiatives for the species. As a result of these efforts, the population of pests has been significantly reduced.
In connection with Palm Sunday, the National Forestry Agency reminds the public that boxwood can only be sourced from privately owned nurseries and artificially grown plantations, accompanied by a certificate of origin issued by the local self-government.
“The Colchian boxwood is a species protected by the Red List, and its harvesting is prohibited in state forests. The National Forestry Agency urges the public not to violate the law, as strict sanctions will be enforced for any detected violations,” stated Kakha Tsertsvadze, Head of the National Forestry Agency.
It's important to note that boxwood logging has posed significant challenges in the country in recent years. In addition to pathogenic fungi, natural groves of Colchian boxwood are threatened by an invasive pest known as the boxwood borer.
Since 2016, the National Forestry Agency has been implementing comprehensive measures in damaged Colchian boxwood groves within managed forest areas. These measures include efforts to combat pests and diseases, as well as conservation initiatives for the species. As a result of these efforts, the population of pests has been significantly reduced.
