“Illegal Christmas tree": 40 people brought to justice in Ukraine
Kyiv • UNN
The State Ecological Inspectorate found 142 violations during inspections of Christmas tree harvesting and sales before the holidays. 40 people were brought to administrative responsibility, and 97 cases were referred to court.
In Ukraine, the State Ecological Inspectorate revealed 142 violations during inspections of coniferous plantations during their harvesting and sale in the pre-New Year period. 40 people were brought to administrative responsibility. UNN reports this with reference to the Ministry of Environment.
Since the end of November 2024, the State Ecological Inspectorate has intensified measures to preserve coniferous plantations during their harvesting and sale in the pre-New Year period. Special groups consisting of representatives of the State Ecological Inspectorate, the National Police and local governments have been created
The State Ecological Inspectorate regularly conducts raids to monitor the transportation, harvesting and sale of coniferous trees, prevent illegal logging, and take measures to identify offenders at places where Christmas trees are sold.
This year, the State Environmental Inspectorate has already identified 142 violations. Among them, 24 were unauthorized logging, 11 were harvesting procedures, and 107 were violations at the point of sale. As a result of the measures, 137 reports were drawn up, 97 of which were referred to the judicial authorities, and 40 people were brought to administrative responsibility
The Ministry of Environment reminds that you can buy a Christmas tree at specialized sales outlets.
Where to buy a Christmas tree?
All contacts and locations can be found on Facebook and on the websiteof the State Enterprise “Forests of Ukraine”.
How do you know if a Christmas tree is legal?
Each tree has a special tag with a barcode that contains information about the harvesting site, the logger and his subordination.
Illegal felling of coniferous trees is punishable by a fine of UAH 510 to UAH 5100 (pursuant to Article 65 of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses).
Illegal felling of greenery in forests is subject to criminal liability (Article 246 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine “Illegal Felling or Illegal Transportation, Storage, Sale of Forests”), which is punishable by a fine of UAH 17,000 to 25,500 or arrest for up to six months.
