Georgia’s National Forestry Agency detected 505 cases of illegal logging during the first nine months of 2026, from January 1 through the end of September.
In September alone, 42 violations were identified, including 41 cases related to illegal logging and transportation. One case of unauthorized occupation of state forest land was also recorded in Imereti.
Authorities seized up to 82 cubic meters of illegally harvested firewood and timber during September. Of the illegal logging cases recorded nationwide, 12 were in Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti, 10 in Kvemo Kartli, 9 in Imereti, 4 each in Guria and Kakheti, 1 in Samtskhe-Javakheti and 1 in Shida Kartli.
National Forestry Agency head Besik Amiranashvili said the ongoing forestry reform aims to strengthen state control and reduce illegal forest use. He added that 401 additional forest guards have been involved in monitoring specific areas to improve enforcement.
