The State Forest Resources Agency of Ukraine is actively defending approximately 2 million hectares of self-seeded forests that have naturally emerged on land that was previously used for agriculture but has been largely abandoned for decades. These areas, which have not been managed for years, are currently included in the European Union’s assessment of Ukraine’s forest cover and must be preserved, according to Viktor Smal, the Head of the agency.
Smal highlighted that the self-seeded forests represent a significant portion of Ukraine’s overall forest cover and that their preservation is crucial for both environmental and economic reasons. He explained that these forests have developed over time due to the abandonment of agricultural land, allowing natural reforestation to take place. The agency’s efforts to protect these areas are part of a broader strategy to maintain Ukraine’s forest resources in line with EU environmental standards and commitments.
The inclusion of these self-seeded forests in the EU’s forest cover indicator underscores the importance of preserving natural ecosystems, even those that have emerged from agricultural land. Smal emphasized that while the development of these forests may not be intentional, their ecological value cannot be overlooked. The agency is now working to ensure that these areas remain protected from activities that could threaten their existence, such as further agricultural expansion or illegal logging.