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Illegal logging causing over UAH 217,000 in damages uncovered in the Lviv region again
As part of the project “Advocacy for Forest Protection Against Illegal Logging: Removing Legal Barriers for Efficiency”, experts from the NGO ForestCom identified serious violations of forestry legislation in the territory of the Brody Forestry Enterprise of “Halsillis”.
What was discovered
During field inspection of forest plots of the Brody forestry, 7 stumps of illegally felled Scotch pine trees were found, with diameters ranging from 60 to 86 cm.
What is particularly alarming is that the perpetrators attempted to conceal the evidence – the stumps were carefully covered with soil and forest litter. The stumps bore no marking stamps permitting their logging, clearly indicating that this was unauthorized felling, likely committed during the winter-spring period of 2025.
According to Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 665, the damage amounts to UAH 217,436.
ForestCom actions
The violations identified may qualify as a criminal offense due to the significant scale of the damage. Under Ukrainian law, such actions are punishable by a fine ranging from 5,400 to 9,000 non-taxable minimum incomes (from UAH 91800 to 153000), or imprisonment from two to five years.
The experts have submitted information on the violations to the State Environmental Inspectorate of the Lviv Region and law enforcement agencies for further investigation.
A systemic problem requires a systemic solution
This case highlights the urgency of our work to improve the effectiveness of forest protection against illegal logging. Illegal logging causes extensive damage to Ukraine's forests, while offenders often avoid fair punishment due to loopholes in current legislation.
To address this, we are working to:
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strengthen the criminal legislation to ensure that all perpetrators are held accountable;
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advocate for the introduction of a unified reporting format for all forest users, eliminating blind spots in forest violation monitoring;
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enhance cooperation with law enforcement agencies, ensuring that expert assessments and field monitoring become a reliable foundation for investigations.
If you witness illegal logging, report it to us:
Together, we can protect our forests!
The publication is produced by NGO «ForestCom» with the support of the Askold and Dir Fund as a part of the Strong Civil Society of Ukraine – a Driver towards Reforms and Democracy project, implemented by ISAR Ednannia, funded by Norway and Sweden. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of NGO «ForestCom» and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the Government of Norway, the Government of Sweden and ISAR Ednannia.