How can unified reporting on illegal logging volumes help better protect forests?

Do you know how much forest is illegally logged in Ukraine each year? If not, you are not alone — in fact, nobody knows for sure. Ukraine does not have a unified system for collecting information on illegal logging. Despite the existence of official data, there is no consistent approach to how it is gathered, analyzed, and published.

Each year, ForestCom conducts an independent analysis of illegal logging. This is a highly complex process: collecting primary data requires submitting and analyzing dozens of information requests to individual forestry enterprises. At the same time, it is nearly impossible to track how effectively violations are investigated. Are perpetrators held accountable? At which stage do investigations stall? It is difficult to address a large-scale problem when so little is known about it.

Some data collection does exist — for example, in forest violation logbooks or through interactions with law enforcement agencies. However, this information is not public, is highly fragmented, and does not allow for assessing the completeness of records or the effectiveness of responses. Introducing a single mandatory reporting format would standardize and streamline data collection. It would create a national database on illegal logging, enabling regular monitoring and analysis. It would also allow tracking of investigations and court cases, reducing the risk of impunity due to missed deadlines or case closures.

The public dimension is especially important: we propose that forest users report not only violations themselves, but also concrete follow-up actions — including criminal case numbers, investigation status, court proceedings, and compensation for damages. Without high-quality and transparent data, forests cannot be effectively protected. Unified reporting is not bureaucracy — it is a fundamental tool for making effective, evidence-based decisions at the state level.

The publication is produced by NGO «ForestCom» with the support of the Askold and Dir Fund as a part of the Strong Civil Society of Ukraine –  a Driver towards Reforms and Democracy project, implemented by ISAR Ednannia, funded by Norway and Sweden. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of NGO «ForestCom» and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the Government of Norway, the Government of Sweden and ISAR Ednannia.