204 cases of illegal logging recorded in July in Georgia

Georgian authorities have identified 204 cases of illegal logging, timber transportation and violation of technical regulations at illegal sawmills across the country throughout July, the Environmental Supervision Department announced on Thursday.

Between July 1-31, up to 600 cubic metres of illegally harvested timber were seized by the state agency, with a majority of 36 cases, out of 151, being identified in the eastern region of Kakheti.

Cases of illegal logging and timber transportation were also identified in: 

• Samtskhe-Javakheti - 24 cases
• Adjara - 24 cases
• Imereti - 20 cases
• Shida Kartli - 13 cases
• Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti - 8 cases
• Racha-Lechkhumi-Kvemo Svaneti - 7 cases 
• Guria - 7 cases
• Kvemo Kartli - 6 cases
• Mtskheta-Mtianeti - 5 case

In the capital city of Tbilisi, one example of illegal timber transportation was revealed.

Additionally, the agency recorded 53 cases of violation of technical regulations at sawmills, seizing three unregistered sawmills, with a total of 16 cases of violations containing elements of a criminal offence.