Draft Law to Prohibit Tree Cutting by Visual Inspection

This document presents a draft decision for the Yerevan Council of Elders, along with a justification note, aimed at reforming the outdated green space protection rules from 2009. The primary goal of this initiative is to ban tree removal based solely on subjective visual inspection. The draft mandates the implementation of instrumental diagnostics (using resistographs and tomographs) for any tree with a diameter greater than 10 cm. This ensures that rot or deadwood is scientifically confirmed, preventing the accidental felling of healthy trees that are merely in a dormant state.

Furthermore, the project introduces strict mechanisms for transparency and public oversight. It proposes including independent experts and NGO representatives in the commissions and establishing a 30-day moratorium between the decision to cut and the actual removal. During this waiting period, the tree must be marked with a sign containing a QR code that links to the digital inspection report. This gives citizens and specialists the opportunity to verify the validity of the diagnosis before the tree is destroyed.

• Read and Comment the Draft (Google Docs)