Effective forest management as a prerequisite for the formation of highly productive forests that are resistant to climate change and fire: a study of the German experience of sustainable forest management by representatives of the Lis Research Institute
On October 06-11, 2025, representatives of Ukrainian scientific institutions and forestry practitioners visited the University of sustainable development Eberswalde (Hochschule für nachhaltige Entwicklung Eberswalde), Eberswalde, Germany. The event from Ukraine was attended by representatives of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, the National Forestry University of Ukraine, the state agency for forest resources of Ukraine, the state enterprise "Forests of Ukraine", the Stradchiv educational and industrial forestry plant of Lviv National Forestry University of Ukraine, the branch "Carpathian Forest Office" of the state enterprise "forests of Ukraine", Chernihiv Forestry branch "Northern Forest office" of the state enterprise "Forests of Ukraine" and the NGO "Ukrainian forest security Center". The delegation from the Educational and Scientific Institute of Forestry and Horticulture of NUBIP of Ukraine was represented by: head of the department of forestry Natalia PUZRINA, director of the Research Institute of forestry and decorative gardening Olexandr BALA, associate professors of the department of forestry Serhiy SENDONIN and Vasyl HUMENYUK. The visit was organized thanks to the long-term cooperation of professor of the forestry department Serhiy ZIBTSEV with the Global Fire Monitoring Center and the Eberswalde University for sustainable development.
The scientific visit was aimed at strengthening international scientific cooperation and knowledge exchange in the field of forestry. Within five days, the participants visited the research facilities of Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (HNEE) and got acquainted with the experience and best practices of forestry in public, municipal and private forests in Germany.
The first day was devoted to familiarizing yourself with the experience of forestry in German state forests, using the example of the forestry Spechthausen, Brandenburg state. Professor at the University of sustainable development Eberswalde, doctor Peter SPATHELF and the forester spoke in detail about the key aspects of forestry activities, in particular, they focused on promoting the natural renewal of forests, the features of the formation of mixed stands of different ages of complex structure, logging re-formation of stands, logging care in mixed young animals and plantings affected by windbreaks and forest fires.
For the purpose of familiarization, study and practical implementation in the forestry production of Ukraine of the positive experience of German foresters in the management of sustainable forestry on the principles of close to nature forestry scientists of NUBIP of Ukraine visited the urban forests of Templin in Gandenica, Brandenburg federal state.
The main focus of the second day's meetings is in the urban forests of Templin in Gandenica was studying the experience of applying the Dauerwald concept as a key element of close-to-nature forestry, namely, the rejection of continuous logging, the gradual formation of mixed plantings of different ages with a complex vertical and horizontal structure, and the active promotion of natural renewal.
The news about the stay of the Ukrainian delegation is also covered in the local newspaper:
The third day of the scientific visit was devoted to getting acquainted with the system of organizing the protection of forests and settlements from fires, as well as studying the environmental consequences of forest fires and the experience of reforestation of fires on the territory of private and municipal forestry enterprises of the federal state of Brandenburg partially contaminated with explosive objects. During the visit, the participants got acquainted with a comprehensive approach to forest fire management: from scientific research of ecosystems affected by fires to practical measures to protect forests, including in partially mined areas. Thus, the German experience successfully combines science, ecological transformation of forests and preventive actions to reduce the risks of forest fires.
During the fourth day, work began with a visit toa Museum of forest animals of the University, where they had the opportunity to get acquainted with the main taxa of the local fauna and its species diversity. Significant areas of woodlands in Eberswalde are located within the Schorfheide-Chorin biosphere reserve, so they are located in a zone of high recreational load. A significant proportion of visitors are schoolchildren who get acquainted with the forest environment directly in the forest. In the afternoon, the participants visited the Maienpfuhl State Forestry and talked with the forester about the peculiarities of farming in forests dominated by beech, oak, pine and other deciduous species to increase their resistance to climate change and the formation of sustainable forests in the future.
On the final day, scientists of the NUBiP of Ukraine had the opportunity to get acquainted with the forestry management of the Stift Neuzelle monastery Foundation on the Odra River "Baroque miracle of Brandenburg". The Foundation owns 11,210 hectares of land, where the area of 9,180 hectares is represented by forests. In addition to forestry activities, the Foundation develops renewable energy, forest ecosystem services and environmental compensation measures, the creation of a memorial forest (Ruheforst Schlaubetal), recreation and hunting.
It should be noted that the scientific visit is an important milestone in establishing sustainable cooperation between institutions and countries, which provides participants with an opportunity to learn about innovative approaches to forestry in Germany. The acquired knowledge will contribute to the development and practical implementation of such methods in Ukraine.