The Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), is launching a new initiative aimed at restoring forest landscapes. The project involves the development of forest and agroforestry systems, the restoration of ecosystem services and the introduction of sustainable natural resource management practices. Its aim is to combat land degradation and enhance climate resilience. The initiative is being implemented with the support of the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
The initiative’s projected budget is US$5.4 million.
As part of the project’s launch, a kick-off workshop was held in Kyiv, attended by representatives of government bodies, experts and international partners. The main focus was on developing a systematic approach to the development of the forestry sector.
According to expert estimates, around 2.9 million hectares of forest land have been damaged or degraded as a result of fires, shelling, contamination with explosive ordnance and chemical contamination. A significant portion of these areas remains inaccessible, which significantly complicates forest management and the proper monitoring of ecosystem health.
The consequences of this destruction extend far beyond the forestry sector – they directly affect biodiversity, water resources, agriculture and community well-being.
‘The restoration of forest landscapes is not only a response to the destruction caused by the war, but also a strategic investment in the country’s future. For us, this is a priority task that combines environmental restoration with strengthening the resilience of rural communities. Such initiatives lay the foundation for the development of a modern, efficient and sustainable forestry sector in Ukraine,” said Taras Vysotskyi, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine.
As noted by Shahnaza Muminova, Head of the FAO Office in Ukraine, the launch of the project is an important step towards establishing systematic investment in the restoration of Ukraine’s forest landscapes. Against the backdrop of the prolonged impact of the war on natural resources and institutions, this initiative creates a foundation for restoration that is environmentally sound, institutionally robust and aligned with the country’s long-term reconstruction priorities.
The project also builds on the results of previous cooperation between the FAO and the GEF in Ukraine. In particular, between 2017 and 2023, a programme was implemented that contributed to strengthening monitoring systems, improving the legislative and policy framework, and introducing sustainable land management practices across an area of over 248,000 hectares.
The Ministry of Economy views the new initiative as part of a long-term strategy aimed at strengthening institutional capacity, updating approaches to forest management, and restoring ecosystems.
The Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine
