Lithuanian Environment Minister Kęstutis Mažeika on Wednesday ordered the State Forestry Enterprise to halt clear cutting at Punia pinewood, one of the most valuable forests in Lithuania.
In a document seen by BNS, the minister ordered a halt to clear cutting, except for the necessary selective sanitary felling and those necessary for the maintenance of young plants.
Due to the diversity of old trees, large habitats, rare and protected species of flora and fauna, Punios forest is one of the most valuable forests not only in Lithuania but also in Europe, according to State Service for Protected Areas.
The minister has also ordered the State Service for Protected Areas produce a draft document on the protection goals for Punia woods by December 1.
Mazeika told BNS on Tuesday there are plans to ban tree felling and hunting altogether to protect one of the most valuable forests in Lithuania.
Last week, over 100 environmentalists and public figures turned to President Gitanas Nausėda, asking him to protect Punia pinewood, while over 11,000 people have a already signed a petition calling to safeguard the forest.
The petitioners have also criticized Mažeikas' decision in the middle of July to stop the planned expansion of the Punia pinewood nature reserve and called on the minister to take action to protect one of the most valuable forests in Lithuania.
Punia pinewood stretches over an area of over 2,700 hectares and the existing reserve covered an area of 457 hectares. Under the initial plan, it would have been expanded to almost 2,200 hectares.
Last Friday, the president called for adequate measures to protect the country's unique places, like Punia, and also said he expected Mažeika's decisions on better legal regulation and better protection of one of the most valuable forests in Lithuania.
Punia pinewood forest is a declared natural monument, and is home to more than 100 animals and plants included in the Red Book of extinct and endangered species.
