Author: News

In the village of Krasna, Tyachiv district, at the Krasniaanske Forestry Management Subunit of the Brusturianske Management Unit, branch “Karpatskyi Forest Office”, an 18‑metre bridge over the Krasnoshurka River was destroyed at the end of 2023. Floodwaters undermined the concrete river‑bank abutment, and the steel span supporting the wooden deck collapsed into the river.

This caused serious problems for the local population and complicated the work of the foresters.

For several years, local residents living on the opposite bank or owning agricultural land had to wade across the river or drive through a nearby shallow crossing.

Staff of the Krasniaanske Forestry Management Subunit were unable to fully conduct forest‑management activities on nearly 90 percent of their territory. Contracting organizations began refusing to provide services because they could not deliver fuel or their personnel to the logging sites—there was simply no alternative route.

As a result, timber harvesting in the Krasniaanske Forestry Management Subunit fell sharply. In 2023, the volume exceeded 6,500 m³ for the year. In the first half of this year, only 938 m³ were harvested.

The price of timber from the forestry management subunit has increased. The cost of firewood for non‑industrial use rose from UAH 850 to UAH 1,086 per m³. This hike was driven by the longer delivery distance from other forestry management subunits, which raised fuel expenses. Accordingly, the cost of transporting firewood from storage to the customer’s yard also went up—from UAH 3,000 to UAH 5,000.

In the event of a large forest fire, neither the foresters nor the State Emergency Service units would be able to extinguish it, as no heavy equipment could cross the river and the ditch. This could have catastrophic consequences.

Immediately after the bridge collapse, branch “Karpatskyi Forest Office” set up a commission to inspect the site. Based on its findings, a reconstruction design was produced. An external expert organization then assessed the cost of restoration.

At the beginning of this year, SFE “Forests of Ukraine” launched a tender for these services through Prozorro. The winning bidder offered the lowest price—UAH 7.7 million, yielding savings of nearly UAH 500,000. For over a month, the contractor has been carrying out the restoration work.

The new bridge will feature a robust design: a strong, reinforced monolithic concrete slab will ensure its longevity. A drainage system has been incorporated to prevent rainwater from accumulating or damaging the structure. The riverbank will be reinforced with specially designed gabions to stop water from eroding the embankments and bridge supports. Road signs will also be installed.

Currently, the first phase of construction is complete—the two river‑bank abutments of the bridge have been built. The contractor plans to finish all remaining work before winter.

As a result, the Krasniaanske Forestry Management Subunit will gain unobstructed access to its logging fund. The social sector will receive an adequate supply of timber at reasonable prices. Raw materials for local businesses will be delivered without interruption. Proper forest maintenance will be ensured. Village residents will be able to reach their homes and agricultural lands freely and safely.

Strikes specifically targeting wood‐processing enterprises have become systematic. The enemy is attempting to destroy our export potential. Recently, one of Ukraine’s leading manufacturers in the Sumy region was the target of a nighttime attack. Earlier, drones caused significant damage to a production facility in the Chernihiv region.

Just last night, the russians struck the Polish Barlinek plant in Vinnytsia, as reported by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland, Radosław Sikorski.

Barlinek has long been a trustworthy partner of SFE “Forests of Ukraine” and is one of the leaders in its segment. We stand ready to offer support tools to affected manufacturers, both Ukrainian and European.

In particular, we can consider deferring payment for products under existing contracts. This will allow affected enterprises to concentrate their resources on restoring operations.

We are exploring additional support measures. The strength of our country lies in our unity. The enemy cannot divide or defeat us.

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.