Ukraine’s Ministry of Environmental Protection Lays the Ecological Foundation for the Country’s Future Recovery
Ukraine’s environmental policy is undergoing a significant phase of systemic transformation. During the First Stakeholder Forum of the Ukraine Green Recovery Platform, a dedicated panel discussion focused on “Nature and Biodiversity” as a vital element of the country’s green recovery.
According to Viktoriia Kyreieva, Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine:
“The development and approval of the Biodiversity Conservation Strategy until 2035 and its Operational Plan represent a key milestone in transforming Ukraine’s environmental policy. This strategy is a roadmap for preserving the country’s natural heritage. Without a clear strategic vision, actions remain fragmented and ineffective. For the first time, the state is aiming to integrate biodiversity protection across all sectors — from education to agriculture.”
Ukraine is also actively assessing the environmental losses caused by Russia’s military aggression.
“According to the Ministry’s estimates, environmental damages already exceed UAH 4 trillion. But behind these figures are real losses — scorched forests, contaminated soil, and poisoned water bodies. Without proper assessment, we cannot know what needs to be restored and how. The war has disrupted the natural balance: wildlife is dying, plant species are disappearing, and entire habitats are being destroyed. Populations of species such as bustards, cranes, and even bats have dropped by tens of percent in active conflict zones,” Kyreieva noted.
A key strategic priority for the Ministry is integrating environmental considerations into post-war reconstruction:
“We cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the past by rebuilding without accounting for ecological consequences. Instead of concrete, we need restored floodplains; instead of deforestation, we need green infrastructure. The Ministry is actively implementing an ecosystem-based approach and nature-based solutions (NbS). Restoring nature is not a symbolic gesture — it is a real line of defense against droughts, floods, and soil erosion.”
The panel also featured representatives of environmental organizations who stressed the importance of adhering to environmental standards throughout the reconstruction process.
Oleksii Vasyliuk, Chairman of the Board of the Ukrainian Nature Conservation Group, emphasized that demining will be a critical first step in restoring protected areas:
“Demining must apply best practices used internationally. Restoration is a systemic process that must include professional scientists, especially biologists. Everything should be viewed through the lens of scientific research.”
Serhii Zibtsev, Professor at the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine and Head of the Regional Eastern European Fire Monitoring Center, spoke about the devastating scale of forest loss due to the war:
“Over 2 million hectares of forests have been destroyed. This means a loss of vital air filters, animal habitats, biodiversity, and serious impacts on the climate. We need a sustainable solution — a Forest Restoration Strategy with a clear action plan.”
Bohdan Vykhor, Executive Director of WWF Ukraine, highlighted the need to integrate ecological thinking into green reconstruction planning:
“We must incorporate ecological corridors and migration pathways into transportation infrastructure planning. National legislation must continue to evolve. Synergy between civil society and government is crucial for ensuring environmentally sound and regulated reconstruction.”
Harald Egerer, Head of the Carpathian Convention Secretariat, pointed out that the Carpathian region will play a key role in Ukraine’s green recovery:
“The Carpathian Convention can serve as a framework or sub-regional model for supporting national parks, promoting green tourism, preserving forests, and protecting biodiversity.”
As a platform, the Ukraine Green Recovery Platform will play an essential role in restoring natural ecosystems by:
- Supporting the implementation of legislation related to the Emerald Network, Ramsar sites, and species and habitat conservation;
- Coordinating on-the-ground activities including management of internationally protected areas, biodiversity conservation projects, and development of rehabilitation centers for wildlife;
- Facilitating Ukraine’s participation in the Conferences of the Parties (COP) under key international environmental agreements.
Together, with science-based approaches and strong collaboration across sectors, we are building an ecological foundation for a resilient, green, and sustainable Ukraine.