Ukraine and Germany have strengthened their long‑standing partnership in sustainable forest management, signing a Joint Statement of Intent on forestry cooperation during the international Green Week (Grüne Woche) exhibition in Berlin over the weekend. The agreement was co‑signed by Ukraine’s Ministry of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture and Germany’s Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture and Regional Identity.
Wood Central understands the new agreement builds on decades of bilateral cooperation and is intended to support the development of a modern, environmentally balanced and economically viable forestry sector in Ukraine that aligns with European standards and protects natural resources.
“Cooperation with Germany gives us access to advanced European expertise, innovative technologies, and modern approaches to forest management,” according to Oleksiy Sobolev, Ukraine’s Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture, who said the agreement represents a significant step toward strengthening the country’s resilience. “This agreement opens new opportunities for implementing the National Forest Inventory, enhancing the climate resilience of the forestry sector, and aligning Ukrainian legislation with EU standards,” he said.
Under the Joint Statement, the two countries will work together to develop forestry policies consistent with European norms, support the implementation and use of Ukraine’s National Forest Inventory and advance measures to help the forestry sector adapt to climate change. The cooperation also includes the introduction of environmentally safe technologies for forest resource use and initiatives to improve the economic efficiency of forest management.
Both sides have committed to exchanging scientific and technical information, conducting joint training activities, sharing specialist expertise and implementing collaborative projects. A Coordination Council will be established to oversee the partnership, set priorities, approve annual work plans and ensure the practical implementation of joint initiatives.
Germany will provide expert and technical assistance, including the involvement of international specialists and financial support for joint projects, while Ukraine will coordinate operational processes and ensure the participation of relevant national experts.
The statement of intent will run for an initial five‑year period, with the possibility of extension. It is expected to play a central role in modernising Ukraine’s forestry sector, deepening its integration into the European policy space and strengthening the country’s broader environmental resilience.
