Sanitary cutting on the territory of the Borjomi Plateau
At the initiative of the National Forestry Agency, sanitary cutting is currently underway on the Borjomi Plateau in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region. The condition of this high-priority ecological ecosystem has significantly deteriorated over the last few decades, primarily due to the mass spread of the pest insect - Spruce bark beetle.
Sanitary cutting is a vital method for combating the pest, as it involves the timely removal of infested trees from the area, thereby reducing the breeding ground for the insect. The National Forestry Agency systematically carries out sanitary cutting in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region and also clears the territory of trees damaged or downed by natural disasters.
Notably, the Agency also monitors the spruce bark beetle using pheromone traps, which allows for the assessment of population dynamics and the planning of management measures.
Currently, in light of the reduction in pest numbers, the Agency plans to optimize the number of pheromone traps starting in 2026. However, active monitoring and management efforts will continue to maintain the results achieved and ensure the long-term protection of the spruce ecosystems.
