EUDR and the Improvement of the Forest Management System: FSC Ukraine and SE “Forests of Ukraine” Discussed Priorities for 2026
The participants of the meeting noted the successful completion of certification audits at the beginning of last year under the conditions of the reorganization of the enterprise’s structure and the full-scale war. The forest districts ensured compliance with FSC requirements in challenging circumstances.
As a result for 2025:
SE “Forests of Ukraine” managed to almost fully restore FSC certification after a large-scale structural reorganization (FSC certificates were restored for more than 97% of the previously certified areas). Preparation for the certification of some forest districts in the South was initiated for the first time.
Representatives of SE “Forests of Ukraine” actively participated in trainings, educational events, and webinars conducted by FSC Ukraine experts. Forestry professionals mastered best global environmental protection practices and learned how to apply FSC requirements in their day-to-day management activities.
Forest districts can actively apply a clear mechanism for excluding territories contaminated with explosive hazards from the scope of certification without losing certification status for the remaining areas.
A joint media tour based at the branch “Carpathian Forest Office” made it possible to demonstrate real practices of responsible forest management.
“Modern challenges facing the forestry sector and society as a whole require greater efforts and coordination in finding appropriate solutions. We value cooperation with SE ‘Forests of Ukraine’ as a reliable partner in promoting responsible forest management. We have an excellent opportunity to discuss a wide range of issues related to communicating and раскрыти values of FSC for all stakeholders while taking into account the balance of their interests,” noted Pavlo Kravets, National Representative of FSC in Ukraine.
Representatives of FSC Ukraine reminded of the Government’s decision to increase the area of certified forests by 10% in 2025–2027. Expanding certified areas will contribute to the implementation of the State Forest Management Strategy until 2035, as FSC certification ensures responsible forest use in line with environmental, social, and economic requirements.
Priority cooperation plans of SE “Forests of Ukraine” and FSC for 2026:
– Work in the field of forest certification with forest districts that have territories potentially contaminated with explosive hazards;
– Implementation of FSC certification regulatory support in the context of EUDR requirements;
– Joint dialogue with all stakeholders: environmentalists, communities, and authorities to prevent conflict situations;
– Advantages of FSC international membership for the forestry sector of Ukraine.
“I would like to sincerely thank every member of the FSC Ukraine team for promoting responsible forest management in Ukraine. Our ambitious goal is to ensure 100% certification of the enterprise’s managed areas. Everyone is committed to constructive work,” emphasized Yurii Bolokhovets, Head of SE “Forests of Ukraine”.
