Ukrainian foresters complete training in Germany
A week-long practical training on close-to-nature forestry for Ukrainian foresters has concluded in Germany.
«Such visits are, above all, about professional exchange. Ukrainian foresters have extensive expertise and a well-established forestry tradition. We carefully study the practices of our European colleagues, analyse them, and determine which approaches can be effectively adapted to the realities of Ukraine. At the same time, I am convinced that the Ukrainian experience is also of great interest to our international partners», - said Head of the State Forest Resources Agency of Ukraine, Viktor Smal.
During the study visit to the private Modrach Forest Enterprise in Bad Lausick, Ukrainian specialists explored approaches to growing high-value hardwood timber. At the Leipzig Forest Enterprise, they learned about methods of natural regeneration of oak stands.
The delegation also visited the Grünheide Forestry District, where German colleagues demonstrated practical approaches to forest stand transformation, including tree selection for harvesting, silver fir sowing, and the establishment of under-canopy plantations.
Special attention was given to hunting management, peatland restoration, water retention in forests, drinking water protection, and the management of recreational forest areas.
«Every country has its own natural conditions, legislation, and forestry traditions. Therefore, our task is not to copy foreign solutions but to assess them critically, adopt the best practices, and adapt them where they can genuinely benefit Ukrainian forests», - the Head of the State Forest Resources Agency emphasized.
He expressed his gratitude to the German colleagues for their openness to professional dialogue and willingness to share their expertise. He also thanked the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) for supporting the implementation of the project, as well as the Association for Close-to-Nature Forestry in Germany (ANW), which served as the implementing organization.
