Month: July 2025

Since the beginning of this year, SFE “Forests of Ukraine” has been actively working to implement the international standard ISO 45001. The standard entails establishing a new occupational health and safety management system within the enterprise.

The primary objective is to reduce the risk of workplace injuries and fatalities.

The enterprise has established a working group to draft normative acts on occupational health and safety in order to comply with the requirements of the international standard. To date, the enterprise has implemented the Procedure for Managing Occupational Risks and Opportunities within its Occupational Health and Safety Management System and carried out pilot projects for operational (production) monitoring, the results of which have informed the development of a draft Regulation on Its Conduct, incorporating the practical experience gained directly within the structural divisions.

The Regulation on the Conduct of Production Monitoring is intended to eventually replace the Regulation on Operational Administrative‑Public Control at enterprises and organizations in Ukraine’s forestry sector, which has been in force for over 25 years.

A draft Regulation on Audits of the Occupational Health and Safety Management System is being prepared, which provides for conducting internal audits of the OHSMS within the enterprise’s structural divisions; and carrying out audits at contractor organizations.

At the site of forestry operations, checklists are being introduced. Workstations will be inspected against compliance criteria — adequate crew staffing; the availability and use of personal and collective protective equipment; the serviceability of tools and auxiliary devices; the completeness of the first‑aid kit; etc. A three‑tier control system is envisaged — from the foreman up to the branch director, with involvement of the Occupational Safety Committees and the management body.

The Procedure for Managing Occupational Risks has been approved. This is a continuous, multi‑stage process that includes gathering feedback from employees. The procedure provides for ongoing training and scenario‑based drills before work commences.

Compliance with these rules will also be required of any contracting organizations with which SFE “Forests of Ukraine” enters into agreements. Verification of contractors’ adherence to the international standard will take place in two stages:

Stage one – the branch of the enterprise appoints a coordinator who will continuously monitor compliance with occupational safety requirements. If a violation is detected, the contractor will be granted time to rectify it. In the event of a repeat violation, the contract will be terminated.

Stage two – conducting audits. The enterprise’s working group is finalizing the core criteria and refining interaction mechanisms, including: planning the audit team; preparing the audit programme; establishing procedures for carrying out the audit and documenting its results.

These audits will give the management of SFE “Forests of Ukraine” assurance that contracting organizations are operating in full compliance with the established requirements and will help ensure that contractor personnel adhere to the safety protocols for work execution.

The war continues. Each week, an average of 4–5 SFE “Forests of Ukraine” employees are mobilized into the Armed Forces of Ukraine. More than 2,200 of our foresters continue to heroically defend the country at the front.

Due to the challenging conditions at the front, our soldiers’ needs are growing daily. Equipment is lost, property is damaged, and vehicles break down, often requiring repairs every week. Technology continues to evolve, increasing demand for both combat and reconnaissance drones, as well as their components.

It is these very requests most frequently submitted by mobilized foresters.

To assist our soldiers, each serving in different brigades, we provide targeted aid. For these shipments, we turn to the Union of Forestry Warriors of Ukraine. Every week they receive dozens of requests and respond swiftly. By sourcing quality equipment directly from manufacturers, they can do so at significantly lower cost and support a greater number of our soldiers.

Requests were received from forestry warriors of over 40 brigades: the 80th Separate Airmobile Brigade, the 44th Separate Artillery Brigade, the 3rd Separate Tank Brigade, the 14th Separate Mechanized Brigade, the 18th Separate Marine Battalion, the 28th Separate Mechanized Brigade “Knights of the Winter Campaign,” the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade “Black Zaporozhians,” and others.

In the first half of 2025, the Union completed nearly 100 targeted shipments totaling UAH 13 million (excluding large-scale aid to its affiliated brigades). That is 50 % more than in the same period last year.

Union Chairman Volodymyr Kovalchuk personally traveled over 50,000 km to ensure that everyone received exactly what they requested. Fourteen new regional Union representatives also assist with deliveries.

Through the Union, dozens of Mavic quadcopters, FPV drones, generators, Starlink terminals, tablets, thermal imagers, mobile electronic-warfare units, several dome EW systems, laptops, and vehicle components have been delivered. In total, that amounts to over 130 pieces of equipment, all of which will help execute combat missions more effectively.

The joint efforts of SFE “Forests of Ukraine” and the Union of Forestry Warriors of Ukraine to deliver targeted assistance continue unabated. We do everything to ensure our soldiers know they are not forgotten, that they are cared for, and that a warm welcome awaits them at work and home after their service!

The Heart Institute of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine has, for many years, provided highly specialized care for patients with cardiovascular diseases. Recognized as one of Ukraine’s leading cardiothoracic surgery centers, its most experienced physicians use state-of-the-art equipment to treat conditions of any complexity—including myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease, angina pectoris, hypertension, congenital heart defects, and more.

Partnership with the Heart Institute will enable our employees to receive highly specialized medical care, timely diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases, and consultations with leading experts at discounted rates. Our enterprise will cover a portion of the costs.

Under the terms of the agreement, the first 30 foresters from Tsentralnyi, Stolychnyi and Pivnichnyi Forest Offices with cardiovascular conditions received complimentary cardiac screening performed by the Institute’s physicians.

“The primary objective is to identify heart diseases that require further surgical intervention or additional diagnostic work-up. Using an expert-class machine, we performed an echocardiogram and detected structural abnormalities. Those whose condition has deteriorated were referred to our Heart Institute. We will then commence treatment in accordance with the Memorandum’s terms,” says cardiac surgeon Yurii Hutsuliak.

Our enterprise plans to conclude similar agreements with medical institutions in other specialties. After all, the health of employees is a priority for SFE “Forests of Ukraine.”

A uniform is more than just clothing. For a State Forest Protection officer, it forms part of their professional identity and is an essential element of effective work.

The right to wear a uniform is enshrined in the Forest Code of Ukraine and the Regulations on State Forest Protection, the Protection of Forests of Other Permanent Forest Users, and Forest Owners. The uniform serves as official confirmation of a forester’s status as a state representative.

The right to wear a uniform is enshrined in the Forest Code of Ukraine and the Regulations on State Forest Protection, the Protection of Forests of Other Permanent Forest Users, and Forest Owners. The uniform serves as official confirmation of a forester’s status as a state representative.

Since 1992, Ukraine has maintained strict regulations governing the appearance of the uniform, insignia, and wearing protocols, particularly for the so‑called dress uniform. However, modern realities demand more practical solutions.

Consequently, in 2019, the State Forest Resources Agency of Ukraine approved new patterns of workwear for everyday use, essentially a comfortable, functional uniform adapted to the conditions of daily fieldwork in the forest.

Currently, SFE “Forests of Ukraine” does not use the dress uniform—only the everyday version, which is comfortable and reliable. It is procured through the Prozorro public tender system.

Not all foresters are entitled to wear the uniform—it is reserved exclusively for State Forest Protection officers, of whom there are approximately 11,000 in Ukraine.

The primary purpose of the uniform is identification. In the forest, it is crucial to know at a glance who is an official State Forest Protection officer, as there is often a need to confront poachers, illegal logging, and other violations. The presence of patches bearing the wearer’s name and rank immediately establishes the officer’s authority.

Special attention is paid to material quality. The uniform is made from durable, wear‑resistant fabrics that withstand changing weather conditions and provide comfort in the field. After all, this is not a holiday costume but daily workwear that accompanies a forester year‑round.

“Forestry professionals always perform their core duties outside the office, out in nature, and in the open air. Therefore, their clothing must provide a comfortable microclimate in any weather conditions and support the forester’s ability to work year‑round and handle any environmental surprises. It must be lightweight, warm, breathable, waterproof, wear‑resistant, and durable,” says Roberts Strīpnieks, a member of the Supervisory Board of SFE “Forests of Ukraine” who led the joint‑stock company Latvijas Valsts Meži for twenty years.

By the way, forest‐protection uniforms exist in many countries around the world. As in Ukraine, they are predominantly produced in dark green or brown tones—colors that blend with the forest. This is not merely tradition: such a palette helps officers remain less conspicuous while patrolling.

A uniform signifies respect for the profession, order in the forest, and responsibility to society.

At the end of 2023, SFE “Forests of Ukraine” launched a pilot Personnel Reserve system. The project’s primary goal is to select motivated employees and support their career advancement.

Participants in the personnel reserve receive an individual development plan, mentoring support from experienced coaches, access to the enterprise’s learning platforms, and participation in a modular program covering specialised topics.

In 2024, nearly 400 employees successfully completed the training programme—throughout the year they acquired both professional competencies and attended the online Leadership School.

Twenty percent of personnel‑reserve participants were promoted into vacant leadership positions.

Since early 2025, SFE “Forests of Ukraine” has operated under a new organizational structure, entailing an updated staffing schedule and revised position requirements.

Accordingly, the selection and assessment programme for the Personnel Reserve has been refreshed.

Following recent testing of candidates for the renewed reserve, over 350 employees have been selected. They are now being offered five positions: Forester, Chief Forester, Chief Engineer, Director of Production Division, and Head of Forestry Management Unit.

The selection of reserve candidates was based on a comprehensive assessment combining a questionnaire, professional testing on regulatory frameworks and forestry processes, a motivational interview, and an evaluation of managerial competencies.

The first member of the new reserve has already been promoted—Roman Lekaya has been appointed Head of Baltske Forestry Management Unit.

All other members of the Personnel Reserve are invited to undertake further training to support their career growth.

To date, reserve participants have access to over 20 training programmes, including:

Management and Leadership

Time Management

Communication and Collaboration

Occupational Health and Safety

Software Proficiency

Role‑Specific Professional Competencies

The Procurement Department of SFE “Forests of Ukraine” concluded 142 contracts totaling UAH 1.5 billion.

They procured fuel, electricity, specialized machinery and vehicles, equipment, and tools for seed centers, timber harvesting, and much more.

Savings amounted to 14.1 percent, or UAH 237 million!

There are still 24 tenders in progress with a total expected value of UAH 738 million.

During this period, not a single lot was tendered in breach of legislation.

Only 4.2 percent of lots were contested by participants (and in the third quarter, this figure decreased to 1.1 percent).

Ninety‑nine percent of procurements were competitive.

Several significant changes were implemented in the Department’s operations during the first half of the year.

-Category management has been launched, meaning professional market engagement that includes consultations with manufacturers and importers and attracts a broader range of direct suppliers to the tenders.

–A Contract Division has been established: the process of approving and concluding contracts and addenda with counterparties is now more standardized, controlled, and incorporates an additional compliance‑check step.

-The procurement planning process has been automated by migrating to the Smart‑Tender.biz platform, where all actions (approvals, workflow, etc.) are conducted electronically.

-The analytical data structure on the Prozorro platform has been reorganized to enable statistics generation across all enterprise branches.

-A branch‑level procurement activity monitoring and performance evaluation system has been launched, complete with a rating mechanism.

-A new version of the Department’s regulation has been introduced, featuring an updated operational and role‑based management model.

From 2027, Carpathian forestry enterprises will be required to completely abandon clear‑cutting. The SFE “Forests of Ukraine” is already actively preparing for this.

We are implementing close‑to‑nature silviculture, meaning we will replace clear‑cutting with transformation cuts. The forest canopy will be maintained continuously—only a portion of the trees will be removed, rather than the entire stand.

Experiments with transformation cuts have been conducted by Ukrainian researchers since the 2000s, and the results on the experimental plots are impressive. At the Morshynskyi Research and Production Station, where scientists have been working since 2008, improved light conditions have increased the average annual wood increment per hectare from 5 m³ to 12 m³.

The transition to selective harvesting technologies primarily requires the retraining of personnel.

The training programme launched by the SFE “Forests of Ukraine” for the foresters of the Branch “Karpatskyi Forest Office” has been organised in cooperation with the National Forestry University of Ukraine in Lviv.

Lectures and practical instruction are delivered by the distinguished Ukrainian scholar Professor Hryhorii Tomkovych Krynytskyi and his colleagues.

The first three groups of foresters from the Branch “Karpatskyi Forest Office” have already completed the courses and passed their exams. In total, over 200 foresters are slated for this upskilling.

The programme includes familiarization with the outcomes of converting even‑aged stands into mixed, uneven‑aged stands, as well as hands‑on training in selecting trees for transformation cuts.

By the end of the course, foresters will be able to: plan and designate transformation cuts in a stand, conduct a detailed plot description, select individual trees for felling.They will learn to convert even‑aged (both pure and mixed) stands into uneven‑aged, predominantly mixed stands.

Over the past two months, the entire Carpathian region has experienced abnormally dry weather. Rainfall has been infrequent and highly localized. During the past week, a heat wave from Europe has moved into the western regions. In Zakarpattia, temperatures reached up to 35°C on some days; in the mountains, they ranged from 25 to 27 °C.

An extreme level of fire danger now prevails across all regions under the Branch “Karpatskyi Forest Office” (Lviv, Zakarpattia, Ivano‑Frankivsk).

Despite these conditions, no significant wildfires have been recorded. Over the past week, there was only one incident in the Berehivske Forestry Management Unit, affecting 1.6 ha. A fire broke out in the forest litter of young stands due to local residents’ careless handling of fire. Foresters promptly extinguished the blaze using on‑site resources.

Avoidance of major wildfires has been achieved thanks to the timely preparatory work of the foresters of the Branch “Karpatskyi Forest Office.”

In the Forestry Management Units with the highest ignition risk, the activity of patrol brigades has been reinforced. A total of 81 brigades, comprising over 200 State Forest Protection personnel, are now in operation.

Training sessions have been conducted for State Forest Protection staff under the “Forest Firefighting Leader” programme (105 participants) and the “Forest Firefighter” programme (155 participants).

Over 600 informational briefings have been conducted with local residents.

A total of 433 km of new firebreaks have been constructed, and maintenance has been carried out on 47,700 km of existing strips.

All necessary equipment has been prepared. There are 32 pickups for patrolling the forest tracts, 28 of which are equipped with firefighting modules (10 of these were procured this year); 1,642 backpack sprayers; 90 tractors with mounted equipment; 180 motor pumps; and 16 fire trucks.

A total of 195 firefighting water reservoirs have been constructed, 110 of which are fitted with piers for water intake.

We remind you that for violations of fire‐use regulations, a fine of UAH 1,530 to 4,590 is imposed; for officials, this can rise to UAH 15,300. For unauthorized burning of vegetation, the fine is UAH 6,120 (and UAH 21,420 for officials). Within protected reserves, all fines are doubled.

For safe forest recreation, a network of fully equipped recreation points has been established. Entry is free. A map showing the locations of the “Lisovychky” recreation points is available on the SFE “Forests of Ukraine” website.

Restoring the forests damaged by military operations and occupation in the eastern part of Ukraine remains the enterprise’s top priority.

After the incorporation of  Izyumske Forestry Management Unit into SFE “Forests of Ukraine” in March of this year, some 42.6 ha of new forest have already been planted there. The company also ensured that the forestry units were promptly equipped with pickups fitted with fire-fighting modules, office equipment, and all other necessary gear to resume full operations.”

In autumn, the foresters will continue working on the restoration of these areas by preparing planting material. Currently, three forest nurseries are operating within Izyumske Forestry Management Unit, facilities that were preserved and rehabilitated following the occupation. There, they grow coniferous and broadleaf seedlings, which are planted on secure sites.

Foresters have a stock of approximately 180,000 Scots pine seedlings for the autumn planting campaign. These will be used to restore forest plots and supplement existing forest cultures. In spring, seed sowings of Scots pine were also conducted, from which about 350,000 Scots pine seedlings are expected to be raised for the further restoration of forest massifs.

During the restoration of forests in Izyumske Forestry Management Unit, foresters also give preference to mixed woodlands. Thanks to this approach, the new plantations will be more resilient to climate change, pests, and disease. Consequently, an additional 150,000 pedunculate oak seedlings have been raised in the nurseries of Khotimlianske and Starosaltivske forestry units of the former Vovchanskyi forestry enterprise, which has also been incorporated into Izyumske Forestry Management Unit.

The cultivation of these seedlings will enable the restoration of tens of hectares of forest massifs that were destroyed by military operations.

Due to extensive mine contamination of over 140,000 ha, planting will only be possible on accessible, surveyed, and safe sites. Currently, State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES) pyrotechnicians are working to clear mines from specific areas, including forest roads so that firefighting vehicles can safely pass in the event of a fire. Thus, demining remains one of the key challenges, as it is a matter of both personnel and environmental safety.

It should be noted that in autumn the restoration of Kharkiv Region’s forests will continue across the territories of other forestry management units of SFE “Forests of Ukraine” throughout the region.

Recall that this spring foresters from Branch “Slobozhanskyi Forest Office” have already planted nearly 300 ha of forest in Kharkiv Region.

In spring, the foresters’ primary task is planting the forest, while summer is the season for tending young trees.

Since the launch of the President’s “Green Country” programme, the area under forest planting has increased and, accordingly, so has the number of tending operations. It should be noted that approximately 100,000 ha of non-closed forest stands require maintenance, as such tending is essential to create favourable growing conditions and to timely reclassify these plots as lands covered by forest vegetation.

Currently, agrotechnical works are underway on these plots. We are removing herbaceous and shrub vegetation that impedes the growth and development of plants. Its proliferation was especially promoted by the rainy weather in most regions at the end of spring and in June. In areas with less rainfall (the east and the south), we are loosening the soil around the plants—this allows more moisture to reach the trees’ root systems.

Depending on weather conditions and the level of weed infestation, such measures are planned on average 3–4 times per year.

In the first half of 2025, forest-crop tending and natural regeneration works were carried out on 50,500 ha of the enterprise’s forest estate, amounting to 117 % of the planned volume.

What are the main trends in forest-crop tending operations?

– The share of mechanized tending operations is rising, now accounting for 90 % of all work.

– Specialized equipment that does not damage young trees is employed, boosting productivity and efficiency, especially over large areas.

– Thanks to increased mechanization, the cost of operations is falling.

– Timely forest-crop tending enhances seedling survival rates

This year’s investment plan of SFE “Forests of Ukraine” provides for the procurement of 156 units of soil‐cultivation equipment for forest‐crop tending.