Let's save trees – save lives The topic of illegal tree cutting is relevant for Uzbekistan, in particular Tashkent. The briefing on the topic “On the problems of tree cutting and nature conservation” was organized by the State Committee for Ecology and Environmental Protection together with the Agency of Information and Mass Communications. According to the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers “On approval of the strategy for the conservation of biological diversity in the Republic of Uzbekistan for the period 2019-2028” adopted in June 2019, practical work is planned to reduce the rate of degradation of natural ecological systems, restore rare and endangered species of animals and plants, and develop international relations in the field of biodiversity conservation. It is noted that there are more than 11 thousand species of plants and 15,600 species of fauna in the state. Of these, 324 representatives of flora and 184 representatives of fauna are included in the Red Book of the Republic of Uzbekistan. During the first half of the year, state environmental control identified 2,524 violations of legislation in the field of protection of flora and its use. The damage caused to flora in 1,571 cases amounted to 2 billion 243 million soums. In 1,232 administrative cases, fines amounting to 961.9 million soums were collected. Seven criminal cases have been opened for illegal cutting of trees. The total amount of damage in criminal cases is 1.4 billion soums. 189 administrative and criminal cases were sent to the courts, prosecutor's office and internal affairs bodies against individuals and legal entities to collect fines and compensation.