The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture is intensifying control measures surrounding the harvesting of boxwood.
According to the National Forestry Agency, the cutting, uprooting, or damaging of boxwood branches is a punishable offence. Penalties have been increased, now ranging from GEL 500 to 2,000. If the environmental damage caused exceeds GEL 1,000, the case will carry criminal charges.
In light of Palm Sunday celebrations, the National Forestry Agency reminds the public that boxwood should only be sourced from privately owned nurseries and artificially cultivated plantations, accompanied by a certificate of origin issued by local government authorities.
“Colchic boxwood is a species protected under the Red List, and its harvesting in state forest territories is strictly prohibited. The National Forestry Agency once again urges the public to abide by the law, as strict sanctions will be imposed for any detected violations, as has been the case in previous years,” states Kakha Tsertsvadze, Head of the National Forestry Agency.
The National Forestry Agency reports that boxwood dieback has emerged as a significant issue across the country in recent years.
“In addition to pathogenic fungi, an invasive pest—the box tree moth—has posed a substantial threat to the natural stands of Colchic boxwood. Since 2016, the National Forestry Agency has been implementing comprehensive measures to address damage within managed forest territories, including pest control and species conservation initiatives. Importantly, these measures have significantly reduced the pest population over the years,” the National Forestry Agency said.
