Yerevan/Mediamax/. Illegal deforestation remains the number one problem for forest economy of Armenia.

Mediamax reports that the Director of state non-commercial “Armforest” organization Martun Matevosyan informed today that in 2010, 2520 tree have been illegally cut in Armenia.

He noted that the growth of prices for natural gas has influenced the increase of illegal deforestation, carried out by villagers.

Martun Matevosyan said that “Armforest” will suggest the Armenian government discussing a draft law on provision of deadwood to the residents of areas, adjacent to forests, for personal use on free of charge basis. Collection of deadwood without proper permission is also considered illegal activity. Rural residents pay AMD 1200 for 1 cubic meters of fallen trees.