Sustainable natural resource management, climate resilience and biodiversity conservation: State Forest Resources Agency participates in EU4Environment regional seminar

The seminar was held within the framework of the EU4Environment Programme, «Supporting Sustainable Natural Resource Management and Economic Development through Community Engagement in the Eastern Partnership Countries» and was organized by the World Bank.

The regional seminar brought together representatives of relevant ministries and government agencies, local and regional authorities, civil society organizations, protected area administrations, research institutions, and practitioners working in the fields of natural resource management and local development.

«This seminar served as a platform for exchanging experience between representatives of the Eastern Partnership countries and the European Union. The programme covered a range of practical topics, including the development of forest and protected area management plans, ecotourism development, and community engagement in these processes», - explained Mariana Ostrovska, head of the international relations, science and public relations sector of the State Forest Resources Agency of Ukraine.

The seminar was held in the Valencia region of Spain, which is considered a successful example of implementing natural resource management initiatives with the active participation of local communities.

«Particular attention was paid to how community involvement can contribute to sustainable natural resource management, support local economic development, enhance climate resilience, and conserve biodiversity», - Mariana Ostrovska noted.

She added that such regional seminars strengthen cooperation between the European Union and Eastern Partnership countries, promote professional networking, facilitate knowledge exchange, and support the adoption of best practices.

It is worth recalling that since 2018, the European Union for Environment (EU4Environment) programme has been supporting Eastern Partnership countries in implementing environmental reforms aimed at preserving natural capital, improving environmental quality, promoting a green economy, and strengthening tools for environmental risk prevention and management.