Forestry institutional structure in Ukraine – what is ahead?

Since 2014, reforming the forestry institutional structure is high on the political agenda of Ukraine. There are several options for reforming the national forestry institutional structure. Strengths and weaknesses of various reforms are actively discussed by interested stakeholders. However, an agreement has not yet been reached. The reform of the forestry institutional structure in Ukraine has also drawn the attention of the European Union, especially with regard to unsustainable forest management practices and the export-ban measures on round timber.

These issues were at the center of debates of the National Forest Policy Dialogue “Reforming the forestry institutional structure in Ukraine: prospects and implications”, which gathered over 80 representatives from the Ukrainian Parliament, relevant Ministries, scientific institutions, national and international organizations. The event, organized by the State Forest Resources Agency of Ukraine with the support of the UNECE/FAO Forestry and Timber Section, was held in Kiev on 5 July at the National University of Life and Environment Science.

 “National Forest Policy Dialogues are organized with the goal to improve policy, legal and institutional structures in the forest sector in the requesting country,” said Mr. Ekrem Yazici, Deputy Chief of UNECE/FAO Forestry and Timber Section. “These meetings provide a neutral platform to exchange information between national and international experts (policymakers, forest managers, forest-based industry representatives, researchers, etc.). We are strongly encouraging countries to use this tool to support forest policy development”.

“For a long period of time, decisions on the forest sector in Ukraine were not widely consulted. For foresters, however, it is extremely important to communicate their concerns and to be heard. Today, the forest sector is facing significant changes. The future of the forest sector, as well as the country’s ecological stability rely very much on the experience and best practices of foresters. The reform should be balanced and consider national specifics. I hope that today’s meeting, the second international consultation and the first dialogue on possible reforms, will allow the sector to improve”, said Mr. Volodymyr Bondar, Deputy Head of the State Agency of Forest Resources of Ukraine.

During the National Forest Policy Dialogue participants shared experiences and learned about best practices in some European countries (Poland, Germany and Bulgaria) with reforming the forestry institutional structure.  Participants discussed sustainable financing of the forestry sector, how to attract investments in the latest technologies and responsibilities of Governmental institution and its relations to the private sector.