Recently, the Romanian Minister of Environment, Water and Forests, Mircea Fechet, raised the persistent problem of illegal logging. Despite efforts by the authorities, this phenomenon is still making its presence felt in certain regions of the country. However, Fechet emphasized that the intensity of illegal logging has decreased considerably compared to two decades ago, thanks to prevention measures and the technologization of the surveillance system.
In order to eradicate illegal logging and protect natural resources, Romania plans to implement a state-of-the-art monitoring system called SUMAL 3. It will be combined with the use of smart video cameras to increase the efficiency of surveillance and act swiftly in cases of forest crime. SUMAL 3 is seen as a revolutionary step aimed at transforming the way Romanian forests are managed, providing uninterrupted and accurate monitoring.
Another key component of the new measures is the use of drones for forest surveillance. Equipped with advanced technology, these devices will be able to fly over areas of interest both from the air and at ground level. The drone intervention will focus in particular on areas where illegal logging attempts have been reported, providing a unique perspective and facilitating rapid reactions by the authorities. This combined surveillance approach promises to drastically curb illegal logging activities.
Fechet noted that despite all the measures taken, illegal logging will not be completely eliminated. However, preliminary data from the national forest inventory, which is updated every five years, indicate a reduction. The report points to a number of notable improvements and progress, underlining the authorities' continued commitment to protecting the country's forests.
In areas where local communities depend on wood for heating and other essential needs, illegal logging is more common. However, there is a decrease in the overall phenomenon, thanks to government-initiated social and education programs to reduce this form of subsistence. Thus, although the challenges persist, the long-term trend indicates a possible solution to these complex problems.
In conclusion, although illegal logging remains a significant challenge for Romania, technological mobilization and government strategy show promise in the fight against it. While the road to the complete eradication of illegal logging is still long, the steps taken in the right direction clearly show that the country's environmental policy is moving towards a more sustainable future with better protected and managed forests.
