KRIVIČNOPRAVNA ZAŠTITA I IZAZOVI SUZBIJANjA NEZAKONITE SEČE ŠUMA U SRBIJI

Abstract

This paper analyses illegal logging as one of the most widespread and environmentally damaging forms of forest crime. Starting from the importance of forests and the consequences that illegal logging has on ecosystems, the economy and local communities, the paper examines the normative framework of criminal law protection in Serbia, with a focus on the criminal offences of “forest destruction” and “forest theft”, and then looks at statistics related to these crimes, the number of reported, accused and convicted persons, as well as the type of criminal sanctions imposed. The presented statistics indicate the limited effectiveness of the criminal law response, with a low number of convictions and the prevalence of milder sanctions. In addition to the analysis of the domestic framework, the paper also considers relevant European instruments, as well as comparative law solutions from selected countries. It is pointed out that incrimination alone is not enough, but that improvement of institutional capacities, supervision, specialization and intersectoral cooperation is necessary. The paper aims to contribute to the understanding of the challenges in the field of forest crime and to offer guidelines for improving the forest protection system in Serbia.