The European integration vector of Ukraine's development, reinforced by the Green Deal and other EU policies, envisages a profound transformation in all areas of the national economy for its sustainable growth, along with the prevention of environmental threats and reduction of climate risks. Consistent integration of green and circular economy approaches, low-carbon growth principles, and sustainable rebuilding into all spheres of life are closely linked to ensuring responsible forest management.
In this context, the EU Regulation 2023/1115 on deforestation and forest degradation (EUDR) is of great importance. It is difficult to overestimate its potential impact on the state policy and strategy of land and forest use in Ukraine, on harmonization of the national environmental and forestry legislation with European legislation. The Regulation's role in promoting best practices in forest management, ensuring the legality and sustainability of forest products is important. Gaining competitive advantages for Ukrainian business and strengthening its position in international added value chains also depends on the state's readiness to understand the conceptual foundations of new European requirements and integrate them into management and production decision-making systems at the level of government and business structures.
According to the EUDR, any operator or trader placing on the EU market or exporting products such as soybeans, beef, palm oil, timber, cocoa, coffee, and rubber shall be able to demonstrate that these products do not originate from land that has been deforested, or production has contributed to forest degradation. The relevant products shall also be covered by a due diligence declaration and produced in accordance with applicable local laws. This will, among other things, affect Ukraine's exports of wood and wood products (lumber, furniture, boards, etc.), as well as other products from the above list to the EU.
All these challenges became the trigger for a joint initiative of FSC Ukraine, FAO, WWF-Ukraine and IPRSA to hold a forum on March 22, 2024 titled: "Impact of the EUDR Regulation on Ukraine: Prospects and Risks".
The purpose of the forum is to outline the essence of EU Regulation 2023/1115 on deforestation and forest degradation in the context of European integration, to determine its impact on Ukraine, as well as identify prospects and risks for Ukraine. To participate in the forum, please register at the following link: https://eu.frms.link/ttwb38v/
It is expected that the forum will provide an impetus for the activation of all stakeholders (including government agencies, businesses, and non-governmental organizations) in promoting implementation of the new requirements of European Community. For this purpose, strengthening coordination and interaction of all stakeholders is now crucial.
In addition, FSC Ukraine will introduce responsible businesses and stakeholders to solutions to strengthen the certification system so that supply chain participants could comply with all aspects of EUDR.
By introducing responsible business and other stakeholders to the solutions in FSC certification system in the context of the requirements of the Regulation, the forum will strengthen the competitive position of certified supply chain participants both nationally and internationally.
Please see the event program below.