Expert and advisory assistance for practical implementation of the FSC National Forest Stewardship Standard of Ukraine is an integral part of institutional support for responsible forest management. During the workshop, there was an active discussion on this issue among stakeholders, including representatives of educational and research institutions, NGOs, forestry enterprises, and certification bodies. The need for expert and advisory support for practical implementation of FSC National Forest Stewardship Standard of Ukraine, which provides for such opportunities, was recognized as indisputable.
The demand from FSC certificate holders and their proactive position, on the one hand, and the interest and readiness of potential experts and advisors to be involved in practical implementation of FSC National Forest Stewardship Standard of Ukraine, on the other, are the factors that will strengthen integration of scientific and educational community into the processes of making managerial decisions for responsible forest management. This kind of cooperation will help improve the management system and practice of responsible forest management in the face of global challenges, as well as increase trust in forestry enterprises and their responsibility to the environment and society.
The workshop not only demonstrated the significant potential for development of an expert and advisory environment on specific professional issues of practical implementation of FSC National Forest Stewardship Standard of Ukraine, but also contributed to formation of organizational steps that will further support the systematic nature of the relevant processes and ensure a balance of environmental, economic and social interests of various stakeholders.
Pavlo Kravets, Director of FSC Ukraine, said: "Traditionally strong educational and scientific support of forest industry is being further developed through advisory support for implementation of FSC National Forest Stewardship Standard. It is important that the signal of such a request was conveyed to potential advisors and experts, and the State Enterprise "Forests of Ukraine" declared its interest in forming partnerships and supporting the development of advisory services on FSC certification”.