The situation in Georgian forests

The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources is in charge of forests in Georgia, covering around 38% of Georgia’s territory which comes to nearly 3 million hectares. According to estimates Georgia possesses 1.13% of the world timber. However up to date statistics on Georgian forest is not available as the latest figures date back to 1988 during the soviet period. Since gaining independence, Georgia has been intensively cutting its forests without taking appropriate measures to re-cultivate, and plant new trees. Specialists believe that the situation in Georgian forests is becoming dire and that drastic steps need to be taken to establish systematic control to preserve this valuable natural resource of Georgia.