yesterday at 12:29
,Germany
The Serbian government has adopted a new law on forests, which the environment minister says will be a key tool in the fight against illegal logging and promote sustainable management of natural resources. The move demonstrates the state's determination to preserve forests, protect biodiversity and strengthen the country's environmental policy.
"This law confirms our commitment to protecting forests and combating illegal logging", the minister said on Thursday, stressing the importance of finally controlling illegal activities in the forest sector.
One of the key provisions of the new law is the introduction of high fines for legal entities that violate the rules. The fines will range from 1.5 million to 3 million dinars. The minister stressed that such sanctions are necessary to ensure proper compliance with the law.
"Harsh penalties are needed to ensure that the law is taken seriously and strictly enforced", – he added.
In addition, the law provides for a complete ban on the trade in timber that is not included in the relevant registers or does not have an official permit for its use. This measure aims to eradicate corruption in the sector and increase the transparency of timber supply chains.
According to government officials, these provisions are a strong signal of the state's readiness to confront the shadow economy and protect its own natural resources.
The new law also provides for increased control over compliance with the rules, including investment in digital technologies and professional training of inspectors. Additional staff will be recruited and modern tools for monitoring and detecting violations will be introduced.
"Digitalization of processes will be a decisive factor in our fight against illegal logging", – the minister stressed, adding that this will make supervision more efficient and transparent.
The adoption of the law has already been welcomed by a number of environmental organizations, including the Ecological Movement of Serbia. In a statement, they called the decision "a significant step forward in protecting biodiversity and preserving the natural environment".
"This is of fundamental importance for future generations", – the movement said in a statement.
The law will enter into force early next year, giving businesses and industry participants enough time to adapt to the new requirements. Although companies will have to change some business processes, the government is convinced that the long-term benefits will outweigh the short-term difficulties.
The adoption of the new law marks an important step towards sustainable forestry and the implementation of an effective system of control over the use of forest resources. It is expected that stricter rules and more transparent management mechanisms will contribute to the preservation of Serbia's natural wealth and ensure an environmentally safe future for future generations.
