Lissivnyky are people who care for the forest-Vladimir Bondar in an interview with German TV channel ARD

The problem of illegal rudbok in Ukraine is a certain way. However, it is not as great as it is being served by some public experts. In general, illegal chopping in Ukraine amounts less than one percent of the total amount of wood harvested. The deputy head of the state agency of forest Resources of Ukraine Volodymyr Bondar spoke in an interview with the German channel ARD.

We take all the necessary measures to fight this problem. It is very difficult to fight illegal rubles in the east and south of Ukraine. Because there are forested arrays are very scattered in large areas. And the bypass of one forestry is large enough. In the western regions, forest security is more powerful, because it is better equipped with proper means. Often there are cases when illegal chopping is engaged in non-ordinary population, but rather seriously armed persons. However, this year the dynamics of reduction of illegal traffic more positive than in previous years,-said Vladimir Bondar.

The volume of illegal rubok for 9 months of the year Significantly decreased compared to the same period of last year. It amounted to 14 thous. Cube. M, which is 58% of the volume during this period of 2017 (24 ths). Cube. m).

"In Ukraine, there is not a good economic situation, and so some people resort to the illegal rudbok. But the state Forest guard, law enforcement agencies, works. And these issues are largely resolved,-said the deputy head of the department.

Vladimir Bondar also commented on the question of illicit export of wood.

I am not aware of the reported cases of illicit export of wood raw materials. In Ukraine, there is a moratorium on export of timber untreated (business wood). and cases of carriage through the border were not fixed. At least to me they are not known. If such things exist, they must give the appropriate legal assessment of customs, law enforcement, judicial authorities, he said.

In addition, journalists asked about the position of the State forestry concerning the so-called study of the British non-governmental organization earthsight.

They conducted research without the ability to personally check the data they were talking about. This week we eventually saw these people when they first came to Ukraine after their study. And I wonder that they do not even possess forest terms. Not to mention that they clearly do not understand the object of what they say,-said Volodymyr Bondar.

He also said it was reported that the British organization carried out his research for any grant funds. It turned out that the grants they did not receive and work for the funds, obviously private.

Moreover, according to Volodymyr Bondarya, there is a perception that these funds have paid them to people who directly have a relation to the forestry industry in Ukraine.

"Thus, their position as an expert, to estimate in such circumstances is quite difficult. Moreover, professional studies were conducted. Already Ukrainian activists say that their information in this study was distorted, it does not correspond to reality. and therefore, as a basis for some serious conclusions this study can not serve,-said the deputy chairman of the State forestry.

Regarding legality or illegality of Rubok, Volodymyr Bondar said that it could identify persons who have appropriate authority and education.

"If people who are not in Ukraine, claim that some sanitary chopping is illegal, then I have a question: on the basis of what they claim?" Earthsight not cited any concrete data that the chopping had been violating. We would have tested them, and then I would be able to speak subject. If this is spoken by incompetent people, how can we assess these facts. For example, in the form of wood you can determine the sore or healthy? You can tell what he has a disease, are there pests under the crust? Unprepared people cannot know this. So to say that in Ukraine there is a big problem with illegal sanitary cuts I would not have for today. Has the sanitary chopping increased in recent years? Yes, increased. But not just in Ukraine. They have increased in Poland, and Belarus. This is the response to the worldwide tendency of climate change. And of course, to conduct sanitation-improving measures we owe. By the way, shall be obliged in accordance with the law. Forestry who exercise such actions, they are not what they have the right – they are obliged to hold sanitary measures, if they are needed, and on that place to land a new forest, he underlined.

Also, the deputy head of the state forestry said that most of the forests in the state still need care for them, human attention. Because the anthropogenic factor has previously been present in these forests. And without a man, without a litsivnik, these forests either do not survive, or they will not bring that benefit, including the ecological, whatever they should bring to people.

Therefore, the protection of the forest, caring for it today acquires tremendous importance. And the litsivnyky are just those people who care for the forest, Volodymyr Bondar emphasized.