International Donors Conference to Support Ukraine's Forestry Sector

The International Donors Conference titled "International Call to Support the Forestry Sector in Ukraine" took place on December 14, 2023, in Kyiv. The event was organized by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine with support from the State Forest Resources Agency of Ukraine and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

The conference was held in a hybrid format, featuring speakers from foreign donor organizations, including Germany and the Czech Republic's forestry sectors, as well as Ukrainian environmental institutions such as the Ministry of Environmental Protection. Presentations were given by acting Chairman of the State Forest Resources Agency of Ukraine, Viktor Smal, and the CEO of the State Enterprise "Forests of Ukraine," Viktor Bolokhovets.

Representatives from the Ukrainian side outlined the current state of Ukraine's forests in relation to Russian military aggression. They identified potential areas where international donors could contribute to the reconstruction of the forestry sector and the restoration of forests damaged by military actions, emphasizing the importance of developing the digital component in modern forest data representation.

In turn, international partners highlighted the need to reform the forestry sector in the context of Ukraine's imminent accession to the European Union, aiming to harmonize relevant legislation and adhere to the principles followed by all EU members.

Representatives from international organizations reassured their Ukrainian colleagues that they would make every effort to restore Ukraine's forestry sector. This particularly includes demining forests, rebuilding the devastated forestry infrastructure, and investing in the development of sustainable forestry practices and cooperation among various key stakeholders whose lives depend on the forest.

The Executive Director of the NGO ForestCom Dmytro Karabchuk, participated in the conference, resulting in a series of meetings with event participants and the establishment of contacts for necessary cooperation in forestry reform and the development of sustainable forestry practices in line with EU criteria.

Dmytro Karabchuk emphasizes: "There is now an urgent need to establish a forestry department within the Ministry of Environment, which is crucial for the ongoing reform process and will positively enhance the formation of state forestry policies in the forestry and hunting sectors. Currently, there is only a small department within the ministry with a few employees who, despite their willingness, are unable to handle the entire workload."

According to the organizers, the next conference in the same format may take place in the first half of next year.