The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources, together with the Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic, the Czech University of Life Sciences, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the State Forest Resources Agency of Ukraine, is holding a two-day International Donors' Conference to support the restoration of Ukraine's forest sector.

Among the participants are representatives of potential donor countries, financial institutions such as the European Forest Institute (EFI), the International Union of Forest Research Organisations (IUFRO), IIASA, the European State Forest Association (EUSTAFOR), the European Investment Bank (EIB), Forest Europe, scientists and the public.

According to Yevhen Fedorenko, Deputy Minister for European Integration, almost 30% of Ukrainian forests have been damaged to varying degrees as a result of russia's armed aggression. Forest ecosystems have been disrupted. Therefore, among the top 5 priorities, assistance in the implementation of which is important for the restoration and sustainable management of the Ukrainian forest sector, are as follows:

Mine clearance. "We need to demine at least half a million hectares of forests in the territories under the control of Ukraine. Another 0.8 million hectares in the temporarily occupied territories are also contaminated - there are "traces" of mines and other explosive devices left by the russians. And now we have to think about how to restore these lands after their liberation," the Deputy Minister stressed.

Harmonisation of Ukrainian legislation with EU requirements. This is Ukraine's path to full membership in the EU, as well as compliance with international standards and implementation of sustainable forest management practices.

Adaptation of forests to climate change. This is a transition to forestry close to nature. Ukraine is open to any partner initiatives and joint work.

Strengthening the forest protection system. It is important for our country to improve its ability to respond effectively to fires and other emergencies.

Improving forestry planning, forest monitoring and national forest inventory. For this purpose, it is crucial that international partners help restore and strengthen the capacity of the war-affected state forestry enterprise Ukrderzhlisproekt.

"I am grateful to the Czech people, the Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic and the Czech University of Life Sciences for their hospitality and support in organising this Conference, as well as to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) for their unwavering support. I am grateful to all the representatives and countries participating in this event. Your help is not only an investment in our recovery, but also a commitment to the common values of environmental sustainability that unite the entire civilised world," said Yevhen Fedorenko.