This is the total amount spent on projects that were implemented with international support. It’s not just about funding, but also access to modern technology, knowledge, and management solutions.
‘The projects concern digitalisation, forest monitoring, the introduction of nature-based forestry, the development of science, the harmonisation of the regulatory framework and the implementation of EU requirements, in particular the EUDR Regulation,’ explained Mariana Ostrovska, head of the international relations, science and public relations sector of the SFRA. She emphasised that one-off contacts have been replaced by long-term partnerships with real tools to support the industry. All international projects have clear funding, are focused on practical results and are integrated into state policy and reforms. In particular, the forestry sector has received machinery, firefighting equipment, vehicles, laboratory complexes, and equipment for demining and monitoring. This is a real strengthening of the industry’s material and technical base.
“We have deepened our partnership with Sweden – in close cooperation with the Swedish Forest Agency and the Swedish Institute, especially in the context of Sweden’s chairmanship of the pan-European Forest Europe process. And in Germany, as part of a project on sustainable multifunctional forest management, we studied practical mechanisms for combining nature conservation and timber harvesting, and also received financial support from the German Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Regional Identity,” said Mariana Ostrovska.
She also noted that cooperation with Latvia, Poland, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary and Canada was of an applied nature, involving the transfer of equipment, staff training, joint research and preparation of the industry to meet European requirements.
“In 2025, Ukraine was not only an observer but also an active participant in shaping global decisions on forest restoration, climate adaptation, biodiversity, and sustainable forest management. The head of the State Forest Resources Agency, Viktor Smal, represented the forestry sector at the world’s largest climate conference, COP30, in Brazil, and industry representatives also participated in key international events – the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome, the FRA report in Indonesia, and official meetings in Brussels,” noted Mariana Ostrovska.
In addition, throughout the year, the SFRA actively cooperated with the World Bank, FAO, UNECE, UNDP, Forest Europe, EUFORGEN, EUSTAFOR, as well as structures related to the implementation of EU climate and environmental policies.
‘For us, 2025 was a year of active and systematic work. We ensured Ukraine’s international presence at the global level, attracted resources, supported science, and created the basis for further European integration of the forestry sector,’ concluded the head of the SFRA’s international relations, science, and public relations sector.
