Ministerial Decree No. 70 on classification of forests.

This Decree sets out provisions on protection categories of forest fund with regard to soil, water, climate and other factors. The forest fund is composed of mountain and plain forests. The forest fund is classified as high forests, protected forests, state-owned protection forest, wild fruit planted forests, forests in urban areas and other forests, according to their economic and ecological value, location and forest functions. The protection categories are determined by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources on the basis of monitoring and research of forests, as well as taking into account the changes in ecosystem. If necessary, protection category of forests may be designated as protected forests for protection. During carrying out monitoring, key factors such as (i) anthropogenic factors, (ii) changes in the level of groundwater, (iii) decrease in productivity, (iv) desertification, (v) increase of diseases and pests, (vi) changes in forest composition, (vii) other factors shall be taken into consideration.