The FOREST EUROPE Expert Level Meeting (ELM) gathered 59 delegates from 27 signatory countries, the European Union, and 12 observer organizations, along with support from the Liaison Unit Bonn (LUBo) and the EFI FE team.
At the ELM, the implementation of the Ministerial decision supporting Ukraine's forest recovery, which was adopted at the HLDP 2022, was presented. In particular, delegates were presented with the report on Ukraine:
The report has been prepared by the Liaison Unit Bonn of Forest Europe (LUBo) with the support of Ukrainian expert, Liubov Poliakova. Its content was reviewed and discussed with the FOREST EUROPE Ukraine network of experts at the FOREST EUROPE workshop on 6 June 2023.
The report summarizes LUBo's work from August 2022 to June 2023, assessing the status of the Ukrainian forest sector and its condition before and during the war, analyzing existing support projects, and providing recommendations for future steps to promote Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) in Ukraine.
In conclusion, the destruction of certain elements of SFM in Ukraine presents an opportunity to rebuild the sector better. This can be achieved through experience exchange and bilateral cooperation, adopting modern forest management practices, utilizing digital solutions, enhancing biodiversity conservation, evaluating ecosystem services, and implementing climate change adaptation and mitigation measures.
Considering the extensive environmental damages, forest management and restoration must be approached as a cross-cutting issue involving various agencies ensuring a comprehensive landscape approach and financial incentives for the forest sector and beyond.
The effective monitoring and coordination of international support for the Ukrainian forests and forest sector is the key aspect of the Ministerial decision. This involves preventing duplication of efforts and maximizing the efficient utilization of available resources.
During the meeting, delegates acknowledged that the Ministerial Decision had been fully and successfully implemented. This decision was established under FOREST EUROPE's rapid response mechanism to address emerging issues. The meeting recognized the significance of Ukraine's forests and the difficulties they encounter due to the war, displaying a strong dedication to assisting the country in its recovery.
In addition to discussing the implementation of the Ministerial Decision, the ELM discussed different relevant topics.
Among other, delegates were informed about Think Tank's efforts on SFM, emphasizing the need to address policy gaps and importance of developing the tools and instruments to enhance SFM. The ELM recognized the Think Tank as a crucial activity within FOREST EUROPE, and forest monitoring was highlighted as a complementary approach.
Furthermore, delegates were presented with the achievements of the ongoing FoRisk pilot and its objectives with focus on wildfires, pests and diseases and windstorms. Updates on the progress and fulfillment of objectives of the Green Jobs work stream and Forest Education as laid out in the work programme 2021-2024 were also provided.
The ELM supported the organization of the second High-Level Policy Dialogue (HLPD) in Berlin on November 9, 2023 with the topic: "Growing healthier forests: How SFM enhances resilience". It will be an opportunity for policymakers, experts, practitioners, forest owners, students, researchers, and stakeholders to discuss enhancing forest resilience through SFM from environmental, social, and economic perspectives.
The following day, delegates had the opportunity to gain valuable insights and firsthand experience in the practical application of SFM in Saxony's State forests. Subsequently, they visited the esteemed Campus Tharandt, established in 1811 and recognized as one of the world's oldest forestry educational institutions.
For more information, please visit: www.foresteurope.org
