Transition to close-to-nature forestry: State Forest Resources Agency team learns from german colleagues

During a working visit to Germany, representatives of the State Forest Resources Agency of Ukraine are studying practical forestry management experience in the federal state of Saxony and exploring modern approaches to forest management.

In particular, the Ukrainian delegation visited Sachsenforst (State Forests of Saxony) and the Eibenstock Forest District, where they learned about forest management planning processes, the preparation of annual work plans, budgeting, and financial management.

Special attention during the training is being paid to the goals and principles of close-to-nature forestry, including the establishment of continuous forest cover, the maintenance of diverse forest structures and species composition, natural forest regeneration, the restoration of forest stands following natural disturbances, and the implementation of transformation fellings.

A separate component of the programme is dedicated to timber harvesting, covering the entire process from harvest planning and tree selection for felling to contractor supervision and timber sales.

«Starting from 2027, Ukraine will phase out clear-cutting as the main harvesting method in the mountain forests of the Carpathian region, and we are actively preparing for this transition. The knowledge and practical experience gained during this visit will provide an important foundation for the further implementation of close-to-nature forestry principles – an approach that ensures forest resilience, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable forest management in the face of current challenges», - said Viktor Smal, Head of the State Forest Resources Agency of Ukraine.