On 2 July 2026, forestry law, sustainable forest management, and international forest certification expert Ihor Kramarenko delivered a public hybrid lecture at the Erfurt University of Applied Sciences (FH Erfurt, Germany) entitled “Forestry in Times of War – Resilient and Sustainable Communities as the Answer.”
During his presentation, Mr. Kramarenko outlined the current state of Ukraine’s forestry sector under the conditions of Russia’s full-scale invasion and highlighted the key challenges facing the sector. Particular attention was given to the extensive damage to forest ecosystems, the widespread contamination of forest lands by mines and unexploded ordnance, biodiversity loss, and the urgent need for forest restoration as a cornerstone of the country’s environmental and economic resilience.
A significant part of the lecture focused on the role of local communities in safeguarding forest resources, promoting sustainable natural resource management, and supporting the recovery of war-affected areas. The presentation emphasized that resilient and sustainable communities are fundamental to Ukraine’s long-term recovery and to ensuring effective governance of natural resources.
Participants also learned about Ukraine’s practical experience in implementing FSC and PEFC certification standards, strengthening forest governance, aligning with European Union requirements, and expanding international cooperation in sustainable forest management.
The lecture generated considerable interest among students, researchers, and forestry professionals in Germany. During the discussion, participants exchanged views on the prospects for post-war forest restoration in Ukraine, the importance of international support, and opportunities for strengthening cooperation between Ukrainian and European academic and forestry institutions.
Events such as this contribute to raising international awareness of the challenges facing Ukraine’s forestry sector while fostering stronger partnerships between Ukrainian and European experts committed to sustainable forest management and the recovery of forest landscapes.
Forestry in Times of War: Ihor Kramarenko Presented Ukraine’s Experience in Germany
