However, an official environmental inspector, who was contacted online, claims that this orchard never existed and that he found no signs of logging at the site.
According to environmental activist Vladislav Sanduliak, the young inspector requested clear evidence proving both the existence of the orchard and the fact of its destruction. The inspector stated that he personally visited the site and did not see a single tree stump. Moreover, when he inquired at the swimming pool area near the alleged logging site, he was told that no one knew about the orchard and that no trees had been cut down there.
The inspector indicated that without concrete evidence—photos or videos directly documenting the logging process—he would be unable to open an official case. Despite the journalist providing “before and after” images sourced online, this was deemed insufficient.
In this context, representatives of the public organization “Pădurea Noastră” are calling on anyone with information, photos, or video materials to send them in and support the investigation. In their view, the situation is perplexing, creating the impression that the residents of the capital are slowly being “led around by the nose.”
They also do not rule out the possibility that there may be a single beneficiary of the logging who is likely taking steps to “resolve the issue.” Activists emphasize that they have neither financial backing nor administrative resources—they are simply ordinary citizens who submitted a request to the Ministry of Environment, which became the catalyst for the inspection to begin.
It is noted that without an official complaint, the case would not have moved forward. According to the activists, all the articles and protests in the press merely create the illusion of an investigation, while in reality, no action is taken without a formal complaint from citizens. This situation is likely the same in other cases of illegal logging within the city and throughout Moldova.
The journalist calls on readers to help: to gather evidence, request CCTV footage from the police, and provide witness testimony confirming that the orchard existed and has now been destroyed. It is important for people to unite so that the inspectorate can conduct a thorough investigation.
The public organization “Pădurea Noastră” has sent an official request to the Ministry of Environment regarding the alleged illegal logging of a fig orchard (Ficus carica) in the center of Chisinau.
In accordance with Law No. 148/2023 on Access to Information of Public Interest, an official response was received from the Ministry of Environment:
“The Ministry, through the Environmental Protection Agency, has reviewed your request and informs you that the logging of fig trees was carried out without the necessary authorization documents required by current legislation. In the near future, the Environmental Inspectorate will send an official letter detailing the measures taken in this case.”
Currently, the organization “Pădurea Noastră” has submitted a complaint to the police commissariat to clarify the circumstances. A response has not yet been received.
