At a plenary session, the Parliament of Georgia unanimously adopted, at III reading, amendments to the Forest Code of Georgia with 81 votes in favor.

The purpose of the draft law is to address systemic challenges in the forestry sector, halt forest degradation, and ensure the sustainable management of forest resources.

The amendments provide for strengthening forest protection mechanisms; enhancing the institutional capacity of the National Forestry Agency; introducing a new model for timber harvesting and commercialization; and improving regulations governing the use of forest resources.

According to the legislative initiative, the function of physical forest protection will be returned to the National Forestry Agency.

The draft law also introduces a new term into the Code — physical forest protection (forest ranger). Under the amendments, a forest ranger will be responsible for the physical protection of the forest area assigned to them; the prevention, detection, and suppression of administrative offences within that area; and contributing to the effective safeguarding of forest resources.

The draft law further envisages a range of measures aimed at improving and strengthening the material and technical resources available for forest protection and management.