Moldova to be supported by USA in combating forest crimes

Chisinau, March 6. /MOLDPRES/- The practices of investigating crimes in the forestry field were discussed in a workshop held last week in Chisinau, with the assistance of the International Programs Office of the US Forestry Service, in cooperation with the US Department of Justice.

The purpose of the event was to increase the prompt intervention capacity of the institutions in order to combat the phenomenon of illegal logging.

According to the organizers, forestry criminality manifests itself in very diverse ways, from the most rudimentary forms, namely the cutting or stealing of trees, to the most subtle and well-versed ones. For this reason, the actions of the state must be operative, with strict compliance with the law.

"Crime against the environment has become an obvious reality both locally and nationally, and prevention and combating it is a permanent concern and even a priority for us, but such workshops are very necessary. Only through joint efforts and modern equipment can we combat forest crime. I am sure that the confrontation of ideas and experiences will generate the necessary synergies, and the conclusions will represent benchmarks for future discussions and actions", Minister of Environment Iordanca-Rodica Iordanov said.

The growing demand for wood and wood products, as well as existing institutional deficiencies, make illegal logging and related trade a serious problem for the Republic of Moldova. Forests are considered the "green gold" of our planet, and their importance in ensuring a balanced ecosystem is crucial.

Photo: Ministry of Environment