Poroshenko signed the law on increasing penalties for illegal felling of forests

The President Petro Poroshenko signed the Law "On Amending Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine on Protection of Forests in accordance with the Framework Convention for the Protection and Sustainable Development of the Carpathians", which was adopted by the Verkhovna Rada on May 23. This was reported by the press service of the President.

The document, signed today in Kyiv, can prevent massive deforestration in the Carpathians, since it provides for a tougher punishment.

"The implementation of the law will contribute to the preservation of natural resources ​​of European significance, in particular forests, as part of the implementation of the requirements of the Framework Convention on the Protection and Sustainable Development of the Carpathians," – the report said.

The document defines the concept of "natural forests", "forests", and establishes special regulations for their preservation and protection.

The law prohibits, in particular, all types of felling, construction of buildings, laying of roads, cattle grazing, industrial harvesting of forest products, vehicular traffic (except for public roads and forest protection services).

The document introduces an administrative responsibility for violating the requirements for protection of natural forests, forests. Corresponding changes have been made to the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses, the Forest Code of Ukraine and the Law "On the Nature Reserve Fund".

In addition, the law amends the Criminal Code of Ukraine to increase penalties for illegal felling of trees or shrubs in forests, protective and other forest plantations, in reserves or on the territories of the nature reserve fund.

Thus, illegal felling of trees or shrubs in forests, protectiive and other forest plantations, that has caused significant damage, as well as the commission of such actions in the reserves or on the territories of the nature reserve fund, or in other specially protected forests, shall be punishable by a fine of 300 to 500 non-taxable minimum incomes, or arrest for a term of up to six months, or restraint of liberty for a term of up to three years, or imprisonment for the same term.

The same act committed repeatedly or by prior conspiracy by a group of individuals shall be punishable by restraint of liberty for a term of 2 to 5 years or imprisonment for the same term.