Fines for Environmental Violations May Increase
The Ministry of Environment has proposed increasing fines for violations in the field of environmental protection. The goal is to reduce illegal logging, fishing, and other environmental violations by tightening accountability measures.
The fines are expected to range up to 1,000 times the minimum wage. Penalties will be stricter for repeated offenses.
If there is illegal logging of valuable or rare tree species, and such a violation is repeated within the year following an administrative penalty, criminal liability will be imposed. This may include fines, community service, restrictions on certain activities, or imprisonment.
Between 2022 and 2024, approximately 1,200 cases of illegal logging were recorded. It resulted in the cutting of over 30,000 trees. Hundreds of cases of illegal fishing and crayfish harvesting were also reported.