Why does a forester need a uniform?
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.