The Ukrainian forestry sector has strong international support, which is further strengthened by the initiative of the FOREST EUROPE signatories to establish the Forest Friends for Ukraine (FFU) working group. This was announced by Viktor Smal, Head of the State Forest Resources Agency.
The first online meeting to prepare the group’s work took place, attended by representatives of international organisations, embassies, the European Commission, the EU Delegation to Ukraine, and the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine. The meeting identified priorities and areas for cooperation.
“I fully share the view of Taras Vysotskyi, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture, that we need a new standard for coordinating international support for Ukraine’s forestry sector. And the FFU is the ideal platform for developing and implementing such a standard.
In effect, this is the transformation of political commitments into an effective aid instrument, as it involves the creation of a Multi-Donor Trust Fund to support Ukraine’s forestry sector,” explained Viktor Smal.
It is planned that the FFU will focus on the following areas:
– developing a needs and resources matrix to align Ukraine’s specific requests with donors’ capabilities and priorities;
– formulating a Strategy for Supporting Ukraine’s Forestry Sector for 2027–2031 to ensure long-term and predictable assistance;
– facilitating international dialogue and the exchange of experience to align Ukraine’s forestry policy with the EU acquis.
Meanwhile, Ukraine invites partners to collaborate in a number of areas.
Digitalisation. Launch of LiDAR forest scanning to create an accurate 3D map, development of a GPS system for tracking timber trucks, and updating the electronic timber accounting system.
Nature-friendly forestry. From 20207, we are moving away from clear-cutting in the mountain forests of the Carpathian region and adopting nature-friendly forestry methods. The experience of European countries in this area will be beneficial to the sector.
Self-regenerating areas. These are mostly agricultural lands that are not part of the forest fund. The aim is to preserve these forest areas as much as possible.
Demining. Around 500,000 hectares of forest in Ukraine are mined, which is a critically important issue. Any assistance in this area will be extremely valuable.
Science. The sector needs expert support to enhance the resilience of forests to climate challenges. We must also strengthen and restore key scientific institutions.
Legislation. Ukraine is currently adapting its national legislation to EU standards. The experience of European countries that have gone down this path will be extremely useful.
“I am grateful to our international partners for their unwavering support and solidarity. I am confident that through our joint efforts we will be able to rebuild everything that has been destroyed by Russian aggression,” concluded the head of the State Forest Resources Agency.
