Key Takeaways:
– The draft law No.9665, targeting illegal logging and timber sales, is being criticized for vagueness.
– The legislation does not clearly distinguish between household storage of firewood and commercial illegal wood use.
– Yurii Bolokhovets, Director General of the State Enterprise “Forests of Ukraine,” voiced this criticism in an interview.
– Bolokhovets called for higher penalties for private sawmills purchasing from illegal loggers, suggesting a need for stricter oversight on timber exploitation.
– The draft law is awaiting sign-off from the President of Ukraine.
The Ambiguity of the Draft Law
The draft law No.9665, set to confront the escalating problem of illegal logging and unauthorized timber sales, has drawn substantial criticism due to its obscurity. A significant issue highlighted is the legislation’s failure to distinguish clearly between household storage of firewood and the use of illegal timber for commercial purposes. This imprecision invites various interpretations that could potentially lead to misuse and unethical practices in the timber industry.
Yurii Bolokhovets, the Director General of the State Enterprise “Forests of Ukraine,” voiced criticism over the proposed law in an interview. He believes the current measures do not go far enough in combating illegal logging practices.
Increasing Liability to Curb Illegal Timber Exploitation
Bolokhovets emphasized the importance of increasing liability for private sawmills procuring wood from illegal sources. He pointed out that illegal logging is a persistent issue influencing not only the environment but also the economy.
Addressing the prosecution process for illegal logging operations, Bolokhovets expressed concern over the existing legal proceedings. Despite arrest, perpetrators are frequently released by the courts, perpetuating the issue of illicit logging and timber trade. Bolokhovets stressed on the need for a stricter regulatory framework to combat this environmental threat effectively.
Considering Private Usage and Household Necessities
Drawing attention to the different scenarios of tree cutting, Bolokhovets highlighted situations where individuals uproot old gardens or cut down extra trees within their premises. He stressed that the law should consider these instances differently, indicating that individuals engaging in such activities should not be regarded as offenders. A wide-ranging understanding of various circumstances can lead to more fair, equitable legislation.
Ukraine’s Governance and the Future of the Draft Law
Bolokhovets continued by underlining the reasonable and fair stance of the Prosecutor General’s Office on this matter, expressing hopes for a revised, approved document.
On the other hand, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced that the President of Ukraine would not sign the draft law, casting uncertainty on its future.
Revising the Bill for Better Enforcement and Public Acceptance
Given the criticisms faced, the draft law necessitates revision for clarity and conciseness, specifically in differentiating between household storage of firewood and commercial use of illegally-obtained timber. Effective regulation not only requires the correct wording but also comprehensive measures to prevent misuse by illegal loggers. Regulatory loopholes must be identified and addressed to ensure robust legal protection for Ukraine’s forests.
Final Thoughts
Enterprising buyers of illegally obtained wood are only a part of the issue. For a long-term solution, all links in the illegal logging chain need to be addressed. From the logging site to the final customer, effective regulation and enforcement can ensure sustainable forest management, protecting Ukraine’s natural resources for future generations. The law should channel its focus on these loopholes to successfully curb illegal timber trade.