Analysis of forest protection problems in nature protection institutions + training plan of rangers

In order to improve the protection of forests on the territory of the Nature Reserve Fund of Ukraine, the ForestCom NGO conducted an analytical study to identify problems faced by inspectors during patrols and the implementation of their protection responsibilities. The research was carried out by the method of voluntary and sample survey of employees of the service of protection of environmental protection institutions. 118 security officers took part in the survey.

Among the main violations of the protected regime that employees have to face were: garbage, prohibited use of jeeping and ATVs, recreation in unauthorized places. However, only 7 inspectors issued fines. Neither poaching nor the destruction of Red Book species are among the main problems of the NPF, according to inspectors. 92% of surveyed inspectors either rarely or almost never cooperate with law enforcement agencies. 56% almost never or very rarely draw up a report of the violation. 38% of inspectors complain that very often offenders do not recognize the authority of inspectors. 

The study also identified four groups of problems that park rangers have to deal with: material, psychological, institutional, natural. Their analysis provides an opportunity to draft a list of topics and prepare a training plan for employees of the environmental protection service. Their analysis makes it possible to form an indicative list of topics to be considered at the training, which we have prepared and published for employees of the service of protection of environmental protection institutions.