The project "Review and Revision of the FSC Risk Assessment of Ukraine" aims to update and improve the existing risk assessment using the latest Risk Assessment Framework FSC-PRO-60-006b of the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) and by that align it with the EUDR (REGULATION EU 2023/1115 known as the European Union Deforestation Regulation). The project involves a comprehensive review of the existing risk assessment to incorporate the latest data, update information sources, conduct independent risk analysis, and develop new recommendations for risk mitigation.

Key objectives of the project include:

• Reviewing the current risk assessment against the updated version of the FSC risk assessment framework.

• Gathering and analyzing relevant information necessary for conducting a thorough risk analysis.

• Preparing a summary report that synthesizes the results of the existing risk analysis.

• Conducting an independent risk assessment and developing a draft of the new risk evaluation.

• Consulting with stakeholders, including FSC, network partners, national representatives, standard development groups, etc.

• Organizing focused national consultations and incorporating all stakeholder feedback into the final draft.

• Refining the risk assessment based on the feedback received.

• Developing risk maps that highlight areas of non-negligible and negligible risk.

• Working closely with the Country Requirements Program team within the FSC Performance and Standards Unit.

Expected outcomes:

• An updated National risk assessment for Ukraine aligned with EUDR, that reflects the latest changes and includes relevant data to enhance the quality of forest resource management and improve the effectiveness of conservation measures.

• Increased stakeholder engagement in the risk assessment process and consideration of their feedback.

• Enhanced reliability and accuracy of the risk assessment, supporting the sustainable development of the forestry sector based on responsible forest management and global best practices.

The project’s key beneficiaries and partners include national and international organizations involved in sustainable forest management (businesses, chambers, unions, NGOs etc); governmental agencies responsible for forestry sector development and environmental protection; independent consultants and experts in forestry; as well as local communities interested in the sustainable development of forest areas.

The revised FSC Risk Assessment for Ukraine will support FSC-certified companies in using FSC EUDR-aligned solutions. The document will also be useful to other users who need information on the risks of deforestation and forest degradation in Ukraine, the risks of legality and sustainability of forest products in accordance with the EUDR requirements. It can help with risk management even for those companies that are not FSC certified but seek to integrate risk assessment approaches into their policy and compliance.