The cutting of trees in the Hyrcanian forests of Mazandaran is occurring due to a controversial decision. This decision is made under the pretext of preventing the transfer of trees by potential floods and protecting bridges and roads from damage. However, this action has raised serious questions about its scientific basis and compliance with forest protection laws.
Law and Cutting Forest Trees
Article 36 of the Seventh Development Plan prohibits the timber exploitation of forest trees and sets specific conditions for the harvesting of fallen or hazardous trees. The question now is whether cutting healthy and standing trees along the rivers of Mazandaran, without publishing expert documentation, is compatible with legal requirements and environmental considerations?
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Mohammad Alimouti, the secretary of the network of environmental and natural resource organizations in the country, emphasizes the necessity of implementing the law and transparency in decision-making, warning about the consequences of this action and the possibility of it spreading to other forested areas of the country. He stresses that preventing potential flood damage should be pursued based on scientific studies and alternative solutions.
Concerns and Legal Requirements
Alimouti states: "The law must be enforced in the country. This issue is especially vital for the people in the current circumstances. People must be able to believe that the law prevails in the country and that decisions do not occur outside the framework of the decision-making system."
He also refers to the recent decision regarding the cutting of trees in Mazandaran province and is concerned that this decision may extend to other provinces as well. A decision has been made to cut healthy and standing trees under the pretext of potential flooding, while the law clearly specifies the conditions for tree harvesting.
According to Alimouti, the initial request from the Mazandaran Regional Water Company was also about standing and healthy trees, which is concerning. The question is how and with what authorization this request is put on the agenda, and whether the Natural Resources Organization has legal authority in this regard?
Ultimately, it must be said that cutting trees without scientific and legal documentation not only harms the environment but also undermines public trust in legal systems.
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