In March, the Ukraine Support Team (UST) organized a seminar dedicated to close-to-nature forestry approaches, which are increasingly being implemented in European countries. This approach involves managing forests in harmony with natural processes, restoring biodiversity, and enhancing the resilience of forest ecosystems to climate change.

During the event, we discussed:
• European standards for forest management and the challenges Ukraine faces in the context of European integration.
• Practical examples of transitioning to sustainable forest management at the local level.
• The interconnection between forest policy, climate change, and energy security.
• Prospects for implementing the principles of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) in the Ukrainian context.

The seminar brought together experts, community representatives, state forest enterprises, and civil society organizations. Together, we discussed how to transition from exploitative forest use to an ecosystem-based approach that preserves forest functions and supports community well-being.

This event is part of a broader UST initiative aimed at promoting sustainable natural resource management, tailored to the Ukrainian context and current challenges.