Corporatization of SE “Forests of Ukraine” Becomes a Key Topic at FSC Ukraine Meeting with Certificate Holders During the International Forestry Forum in Lviv
The corporatization of SE “Forests of Ukraine” was one of the key topics discussed during a meeting between FSC Ukraine and certificate holders held as part of the International Forestry Forum in Lviv.
Within the framework of the 27th International Exhibition Woodworking 2026, FSC® Ukraine organized an open discussion titled “Supporting Dialogue for the Sustainable Development of Ukraine’s Forest Sector.” One of the central issues on the agenda was the transformation of SE “Forests of Ukraine” into a joint-stock company and the implications of this process for the forestry sector.
Particular attention was given to the preservation of FSC certification throughout the corporatization process.
Today, SE “Forests of Ukraine” manages 6.9 million hectares of forest land, of which 4.6 million hectares are FSC-certified.
FSC certification remains one of the key prerequisites enabling wood-processing companies to export their products to European markets, where traceability and responsible sourcing of timber are mandatory requirements.
Ihor Zubovych, Head of the Transformation Commission of SE “Forests of Ukraine,” who attended the FSC event, emphasized that corporatization involves a change in the enterprise’s legal status—from a state-owned enterprise to a joint-stock company with 100% state ownership.
At the same time, the essence of the company’s activities, its functions, responsibilities, and approaches to forest management will remain unchanged.
The corporatization process does not envisage any changes to the management system of certified forests. The superintendencies (nadlisnytstvas) will continue to serve as FSC certificate holders, ensuring uninterrupted compliance with all requirements of the international standard.
The company is maintaining transparency throughout the transformation process and is proactively informing the FSC Ukraine office and other bodies within the voluntary forest certification system about each stage of the transition.
Cooperation between SE “Forests of Ukraine” and FSC Ukraine remains constructive and focused on strengthening and expanding the forest certification system.
“SE ‘Forests of Ukraine’ has demonstrated openness in discussing corporatization, showing its readiness to address the challenges associated with this transformation while building transparent partnerships with the market and thereby strengthening supply chains. For our part, we will contribute to this process by fostering constructive dialogue and ensuring predictability in the development of FSC certification,” said Pavlo Kravets, Director of FSC Ukraine.
In accordance with Ukraine’s State Forest Management Strategy, the company plans to increase the area of certified forests by the end of 2027.