Ukraine presented the establishment of the Forest Friends for Ukraine working group

Representatives of the State Forest Resources Agency of Ukraine took part in the eighth meeting of the Council of the European Forest Institute (EFI), held in Prague, Czech Republic, and presented a working group to support Ukraine’s forest sector.

EFI is an independent international organization that brings together expertise and develops policies and strategic directions for the development of Europe’s forest sector. In 2022, Ukraine officially became the 30th member of this organization and is participating in the Council meeting for the first time this year.

During the meeting, two countries were elected to chair the next two terms: Switzerland will serve in this role for 2026–2029, and Germany for 2029–2032. Elections were also held for the Chair of the Board and members of the Supervisory Board.

For its part, Ukraine presented the creation of the Forest Friends for Ukraine working group to support forests and the forest sector in addressing a number of challenges: the full-scale war, rapid climate change, and the implementation of reforms required for EU membership.

«The Forest Friends for Ukraine working group is intended to become a tool for political coordination to support the recovery of Ukraine’s forest sector through international dialogue and a coordinated support program», - explained Mariana Ostrovska, Head of the Sector for International Relations, Science, and Public Communications.

She added that due to the war, Ukrainian forests have suffered significant negative impacts, including fires, landmines, and restrictions on forestry activities in frontline regions. Climate change further exacerbates these impacts by causing rising temperatures, droughts, and the spread of pests. All of this leads to reduced ecosystem resilience.

«At the same time, in the context of the full-scale war, Ukraine is reforming its forest policy, governance, and management within the framework of European integration. This requires continuous access to European experience, mutual learning, and the development of institutional capacity. Therefore, the creation and operation of the Forest Friends for Ukraine working group is a strategic necessity to transform political commitments into an effective recovery instrument», - emphasized Mariana Ostrovska.

Members of the Ukrainian delegation also appealed to EFI with a proposal to establish a Multi-Donor Trust Fund to attract funding in support of Ukraine’s forest sector. Discussions on the creation of such a fund are currently ongoing.