MANAGERIAL CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIC REFORM DIRECTIONS OF UKRAINE’S FORESTRY SECTOR UNDER WARTIME CONDITIONS

The article examines the key consequences of the war for the restoration of Ukraine’s forestry sector, as well as strategies for mitigating these impacts and restoring Ukrainian forests through forest management reform and the establishment of the unified state enterprise “Forests of Ukraine.” It is noted that this enterprise focuses its activities on planning, coordination, and quality control of forestry operations. It is established that a critical element of the reform is the digitalization of the sector, aiming to fully digitalize the state forest management system. Currently, one of the key topics is the implementation of European Union regulations (particularly the EUDR) within the framework of European integration. Special emphasis is placed on the application of the EU Regulation on deforestation-free products (EUDR), strengthening the climate resilience of forest ecosystems, and aligning forest legislation with European standards. It is stated that the management model being developed during the reform of the forestry sector is fully aligned with the practices of the Baltic countries, Poland, and other European nations. The article focuses in particular on improving forest management methods in the exclusion zone and forests damaged by hostilities. It is emphasized that under extremely challenging circumstances, the restoration of forest resources remains a top priority for ensuring environmental safety, achieving sustainable regional development, and preparing for the country’s post-war recovery. It is highlighted that the effective operation of forestry enterprises requires the improvement of management systems, as current challenges demand not only increased production capacity but also the adoption of sustainable and environmentally sound management strategies. In our view, this will play a key role in supporting Ukraine’s sustainable economic and environmental development. Furthermore, the article underscores the importance of developing small and medium-sized businesses in the forestry sector, promoting competitive products in global markets, ensuring the financial stability of the forestry industry, and creating favorable conditions for the development of the wood processing sector.