This Government Decree addresses the sharp increase in illegal logging of forests, shelterbelts and other forest plantations, as well as other violations of forest legislation that cause significant damage to nature and the national economy. It aims at a fundamental improvement in the protection of forest plantations and the hunting fund. The Decree assigns responsibilities to several ministries and authorities, including the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, the Ministry of Transport and Road Management, the Ministry of Defence, the State Forestry Association Moldsilva, district executive committees and municipal mayors, to ensure the proper preservation of forests and protective forest belts in accordance with the Forest Code of the Republic of Moldova. The Resolution approves a Comprehensive interdepartmental plan of measures for the prevention and suppression of violations of forest legislation and of hunting rules and seasons. This plan provides for the establishment of operational groups under district executive committees and municipal mayors to control compliance with forest legislation and hunting rules; the development of schedules for concrete measures to detect illegal logging, other forest violations, poaching and the seizure of illegally held weapons; systematic patrolling of forest park zones, forest plantations near settlements and along public roads; and regular raids during the hunting season to suppress violations and seize illegal weapons. It also calls for consideration of the protection of shelterbelts and forest plantations assigned to agricultural enterprises and other forest fund holders, and for measures to improve their conservation. Continuous control over state forestry enterprises and nature reserves is mandated to ensure effective forest and hunting protection. The Decree experimentally establishes specialized forest protection units – the forest guard – within Moldsilva, financed from the association’s operational budget. A Temporary Regulation on the forest guard defines its tasks, structure, rights and responsibilities. The forest guard is part of the state forest service and is charged with direct protection of forests and hunting resources, prevention and suppression of illegal logging, unauthorized grazing and haymaking, other unlawful uses of forest lands, and protection against fires. Forest guard officers are empowered to draw up offence reports, detain violators, inspect belongings, seize illegally obtained forest and hunting products and tools, and use transport and communications as needed. They may be armed with firearms supplied by the Ministry of Defence, and detailed rules govern the carrying, use and storage of weapons, including conditions for their use, obligations in case of injury or death, and liability for misuse. The Regulation also provides for uniforms, transport, social guarantees, benefits (including access to timber and land plots), compensation in case of injury or death, and disciplinary and material liability of forest guard staff. The Decree further instructs the environmental protection department, Moldsilva, the state broadcasting company and national newspapers to intensify public awareness campaigns on forest conservation.
جمهوريّة مولدوفا · 1996-02-27