Forests in Moldova cover a total area of 446,000 hectares, according to the Environment Inspectorate. Forest cover levels vary from 6.7% (in the South), to 7.2% (North), to 13% (Center), whereas a minimum 15% is needed for forests to be able to perform their eco-protective functions. The need for a new sustainable forestry policy has been discussed by the Parliamentary Environment and Regional Development Commission.

According to Moldsilva Agency, which manages 86.7% of our country’s forests, 560,000 cu.m. of wood was harvested in 2019, compared to 591,000 cu.m. in 2018. Harvesting is authorized only for conservation, regeneration and ecologic reconstruction purposes and is planned one year in advance.

Commission chair Nicolae Ciubuc (PDM) pointed out a number of important problems that require additional examination and requested forestry executives to provide relevant information. In particular, the Commission members were interested to find out more about the forests rented out for hunting or recreational purposes, the changes in wood prices, the legal framework regulating inspections and sanctioning, and management issues at Moldsilva.