The forestry department announced on Thursday it is preparing amendments to modernise the framework regarding the leasing of state forest land, following scrutiny triggered by a critical audit report. In a statement, the department said it agrees on the need to update the institutional framework and is working on changes aimed at addressing problems identified in the special audit report. A significant part of the audit focused on the leasing of state forest land, an area that has come under public scrutiny following revelations of lease expansions, environmental oversights and more than €1.3 million in overdue revenue. It stressed that leasing of state forest land is permitted only for specific purposes and requires cabinet approval, consultation with all relevant departments and the determination of market rent by the land registry. The department said the planned legislative amendments will focus on issues such as the duration of leases, rent levels and compliance monitoring.