Better protection of forests in protected areas

A National Forest Memorandum proposal which features a framework strategy for cooperation between the Environment and Agriculture Ministries in terms of forestry protection was released on Monday. It is aimed at creating the basis for an above-ministerial approach to the issue of forests that wouldn't be influenced by the changing of electoral terms. Both experts and the public have drawn attention to the diminishing forest areas, as well as timber harvesting and its further export.
"National parks need better and more effective protection. It's high time to make it clear how we view our forests: whether it's only a wood reservoir or, on the other hand, a space for protecting rare species, people's relaxation and an opportunity for the development of tourism," said the Environment Minister László Sólymos. Currently the ministry can, via the State Nature Protection (SOP) agency, halt timber production only in sites under the highest level of protection. The ministry claims that under such legislation it cannot fully guarantee the protection of nature and forests. The aforementioned draft amendment, which is set to be submitted to the Government the first half of 2018, should change the situation for the better.