On July 13, the “National Bureau of Expertise” SNCO hosted the presentation of the manual "Methodical Instructions for the Detection and Investigation of Illegal Logging Crimes", that is co-authored by the the specialists of the Bureau and “Healthy Forest” company based in the Russian Federation. The publication of the manual is funded within the "Fourth National Communication and Second Biennial Update Report" UNDP-GEF project.

The event was attended by the representatives from the Prosecutor General’s Office, the National Security Service, the Special Investigation Service, the Investigative Committee and the Police of the Republic of Armenia, the Environmental Inspection Body, the “Hydrometeorology  and  Monitoring   Center”   SNCO  of  the Ministry of Environment, and the United Nations Development Programme in Armenia.

The Director of the "National Bureau of Expertises" SNCO, A. Hovsepyan welcomed the attendees and the co-author of the manual and the Head of “Healthy Forest” company branch in Vologda, Yu. Javornikov, delivered a welcoming speech through an online format.

In her speech, UNDP Climate Change Programme Coordinator, Diana Harutyunyan emphasized the specific efforts of UNDP in Armenia for the actions towards reforestation, forest regeneration, effective management of forest areas and conservation and welcomed the initiative of publishing such a practical manual.

Afterwards, the expert of the Bureau, T. Hayrapetyan, delivered a report on the specifics of the publication.

The Director of the Bureau A. Hovsepyan presented the process of introduction of dendrochronological methods introduced in Armenia for the first time since 2018, that became possible within the framework of the “Mainstreaming sustainable land and forest management in mountain landscapes of North-Eastern part of Armenia” UNDP-GEF project. Mr. Hovsepyan thanked those agencies and their leaders, who have taken active steps to support the implementation of this process and presented the framework of the appliance of this expertise, the issues that need further clarifications, the development prospects and the existing practical problems.

In his speech, A. Hovsepian noted that the manual includes the information framework on taking and marking the necessary samples by examination bodies in the field of inspection for detecting and examining the illegal logging, the preservation of these samples, the types of examinations based on nature of the case, and other issues within the scope of inspection, as well as important information for a total process of the investigation, the usage of which will practically contribute to the detection of crimes related to illegal logging and lead to a more effective investigation of such cases.

During the discussion, the participants exchanged views on the gaps in the fight against forest logging and suggested possible solutions, as well as highlighted the importance of such publications needed to raise public awareness.

A special tribute was paid to the harmonious combination of the potential of all beneficiary agencies, that makes the effective implementation of the fight against illegal logging manageable.