The State Forest Resources Agency team, with the participation of representatives of the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture, the Ukrainian Parliament and key stakeholders in the forestry sector, held an online coordination meeting with the leaders of international projects aimed at developing forestry in Ukraine.
“We initiated this meeting to enable everyone to get acquainted with the projects already being implemented, hear the current needs of the industry, and synchronise actions to achieve a common goal – the sustainable, modern and effective development of Ukraine’s forestry sector. We aim to make this process transparent, open and understandable, avoid duplication of topics and strengthen the coordination of our projects,” explained the meeting moderator, Head of the International Relations, Science and Public Relations Sector of the State Forest Resources Agency, Mariana Ostrovska.
She added that the priorities of Ukraine’s forestry sector today include the following areas:
– introduction of close-to-nature management methods;
– digitalisation of management processes;
– corporatisation of the State Enterprise ‘Forests of Ukraine’;
– implementation of Ukrainian legislation in line with European legislation, in particular the requirements of the EUDR;
– demining and restoration of war-damaged forests.
Special attention is also being paid to the scientific basis for sustainable forest management. That is why Ukraine urgently needs two modern laboratories: a genetic-molecular laboratory and a laboratory for soil-typological research.
“Their activities will enable analyses to be carried out to determine the soil, hydrological and climatic conditions that determine the optimal species diversity and productivity of forest areas. At the same time, genetic and molecular research will help to assess the potential of forest species to adapt to climate change and fully implement the EU regulation on forest reproductive resources,” said Mariana Ostrovska.
According to Ms. Ostrovska, the results of new research will form the basis for modern forest management and the transition to close-to-nature forestry. Accordingly, Ukraine needs the help of international partners in training specialists who will work in these laboratories.
The development of software solutions for maintaining the State Forest Cadastre and software for collecting and analysing data from the National Forest Inventory remains relevant. Another urgent need is the creation of a training centre for operators of modern forestry machines – harvesters and forwarders.
Representatives of international projects reported on the progress of each programme, the expected results, and discussed plans for further cooperation. ‘We sincerely thank all international organisations, donors and experts who are implementing forestry projects for the benefit of the Ukrainian forestry sector. Your support, knowledge and solidarity are not just a form of assistance, but a manifestation of true partnership that helps us preserve and restore our forests,” concluded Mariana Ostrovska.
