Draft decree to add teeth to forestry unit
In a bid to add teeth to Greece’s forestry service, the Ministry of Agriculture has drafted a bill that would allow foresters to carry out identity checks on suspected poachers or illegal loggers, and search their vehicles. The draft presidential decree, which was submitted for scrutiny yesterday to the Council of State, will also permit forestry employees to confiscate vehicles used for illegal activities in Greece’s forests, as well as weapons and tools used by hunters and loggers. Forestry officials carrying out checks will have to be in uniform – dark green trousers, olive green shirts and dark green caps – and must show their own identification to anyone stopped for an identity check. If members of the public refuse to show their ID, forestry officials will be able to call the police for assistance.
