In January, authorities in Georgia detected 28 cases of illegal logging and transportation of timber, with the highest number occurring in the Kakheti region, according to the National Forestry Agency. Overall, the agency reported 32 violations nationwide during the month.
A total of 112 cubic meters of illegally harvested timber was seized and stored in the agency’s designated “operational yards.”
Breakdown of detected violations by regional forestry offices is as follows:
- Imereti – 1 case
- Samtskhe-Javakheti – 2 cases
- Racha-Lechkhumi & Kvemo Svaneti – 1 case
- Kvemo Kartli – 4 cases
- Kakheti – 10 cases
- Mtskheta-Mtianeti – 1 case
- Guria – 2 cases
- Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti – 5 cases
- Shida Kartli – 2 cases
In addition, authorities discovered 3 cases of illegal occupation of state forest land and 1 unregistered sawmill in the Kakheti region. Three of the violations contained elements of criminal offenses, and the cases have been forwarded to the relevant investigative bodies for further action.
In the previous year, a total of 773 cases of illegal logging and timber transportation were recorded, including activities by unregistered sawmills. The total volume of illegally harvested timber stored in the agency’s “operational yards” reached 1,706 cubic meters.
The National Forestry Agency continues to monitor illegal logging activities closely and emphasizes its commitment to protecting Georgia’s forest resources and ensuring compliance with forestry regulations.
