Forests are the lungs of our planet. Trees absorb harmful gases and release oxygen. Therefore, the reduction of green areas leads to a decrease in the amount of oxygen in the air and an increase in the content of carbon dioxide. The danger of deforestation began to manifest itself actively in the 18th–19th centuries, when the expansion of industry and agriculture caused significant damage to nature. Today, air pollution remains an urgent problem in some regions of Uzbekistan. But why are trees cut down at all?
We know that wood is used in industry for the production of furniture and paper. In rural areas, people use trees as fuel to heat homes. Unfortunately, lately, we are increasingly observing an increase in the scale of tree cutting around us. According to the Gazeta.uz website, about 2,500 cases of illegal tree cutting were recorded in the first nine months of 2023. In Uzbekistan, 2,427 violations related to illegal logging were identified from January to September. In addition, there are cases of collecting plants listed in the Red Book, as well as illegal leasing of forest fund plots.
As a measure to counter such violations, the Cabinet of Ministers' Resolution No. 464 of August 22, 2022, provides for penalties for illegal tree cutting. For example, a fine of 8,250,000 soums is imposed for cutting down a paulownia tree. Such cases cause deep regret. If each of us contributes to the prosperity of our native nature, the number of such violations will decrease. After all, nature is the heart of life. To protect it is to protect our future.
Sabina Ibragimova