A campaign has started in the capital to protect coniferous trees from illegal logging ahead of the New Year holidays.
This is reported by Kyiv24
The city authorities of Kyiv have launched a pre-New Year initiative aimed at preventing the unauthorized cutting down of Christmas trees and pines in urban forests, parks, and squares. To achieve this, coniferous trees are treated with special environmentally safe substances that emit an unpleasant odor indoors. Additionally, a glue-chalk mixture will be used, which leaves a dirty coloring on the tree. All areas where such treatment is conducted will be marked with warning signs.
“Young coniferous trees will be treated with environmentally safe substances that emit an unpleasant odor indoors. A glue-chalk mixture will also be used, which leaves a ‘dirty’ coloring on the trees. All areas with treated trees will be marked with warning signs,” the message states.
Prevention and Control
Alongside the treatment of trees, the city is organizing joint patrols along transport routes and in areas of public green spaces. Employees of the municipal association “Kyivzelenbud,” the State Environmental Inspection, and the patrol police are participating in these activities. These actions aim to strengthen control over compliance with legislation regarding the preservation of green spaces.
Responsibility for Illegal Logging
Unauthorized cutting of coniferous trees within the city is subject to administrative penalties – fines ranging from 510 to 5,100 hryvnias (Article 65 of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses). If illegal logging occurs in forest areas, offenders face criminal liability: fines ranging from 17,000 to 25,500 hryvnias, or probation supervision for up to three years, or restriction or deprivation of liberty for the same period (Article 246 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).
The official list of Christmas tree markets where legal New Year trees can be purchased is available on the Kyiv City Administration website.