Moldova takes the first position in the world by the size of wooded areas and the deforestation rate, according to a study by Yale University. Over 335,000 hectares of land in Moldova are supervised by slightly over 1,000 foresters. In an answer to an inquiry made by IPN, the Forestry Agency “Moldsilva” said that a forester looks after about 300 hectares of forest.

The main obligation of the woodmen is to protect the forests from illegal tree cutting and poaching. All the posts of foresters are filled. However, last year there were illegally cut 4,000 cubic meters of wood. The damage caused was assessed at almost 675,000 lei. Most of the trees were cut in Hancesti, Comrat, Edinet, Chisinau, and Glodeni. The cases of illegal tree cutting increase in number in autumn-winter, but are sometimes discovered only in spring.

The foresters are supervised by engineers and inspectors of the forestry guards. According to “Moldsilva”, almost 300 foresters were penalized last year for professional negligence. Seventeen of them have been fired.

Foresters’ salaries vary between 2,300 and 3,100 lei, depending on their studies.