From Crisis to Resilience with Close-to-Nature Forest Management in Ukraine
Key points
Project duration: 01.01.2025 - 31.12.2029
Funding: VELUX STIFTUNG
Project focus: Close-to-Nature Forest Management (CNFM)
Countries: Ukraine and Switzerland
Project Coordinator:
Bern University of Applied Sciences – School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences (BFH-HAFL) – Zollikofen, Switzerland
Ukrainian partners:
National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine (NUBiP of Ukraine) – Kyiv, Ukraine
Ukrainian National Forestry University – Lviv, Ukraine
Polissia National University – Zhytomyr, Ukraine
WWF-Ukraine – Kyiv, Ukraine
FORZA – Agency for Sustainable Development of the Carpathian Region – Uzhhorod, Ukraine
Project overview
From Crisis to Resilience with Close-to-Nature Forest Management in Ukraine is an international project that aims to support the transition of Ukraine’s forestry sector towards more resilient, sustainable and close-to-nature forest management practices.
The project responds to the challenges facing Ukraine’s forests as a result of the war, climate change and other environmental pressures. It brings together Ukrainian and Swiss universities, research institutions and environmental organisations to combine scientific knowledge, practical forestry experience and international expertise in developing approaches adapted to the Ukrainian context.
A key focus of the project is to strengthen the capacity of forestry professionals, researchers, students and decision-makers to apply Close-to-Nature Forest Management (CNFM) principles in practice. The project supports research and knowledge exchange, practical training, the establishment of demonstration sites, and the development of educational and digital tools for forestry education and professional development.
By connecting research, education and practical implementation, the project seeks to contribute to the long-term resilience and recovery of Ukraine’s forests and to promote forest management that takes into account ecological, economic and social functions of forests.
The project aims to:
- strengthen Ukraine’s forest management through international expertise and Swiss CNFM practices;
- develop educational resources and practical training opportunities;
- support the implementation of CNFM through demonstration sites and digital tools;
- promote the benefits of CNFM among forestry professionals, decision-makers and academia;
- establish a Close-to-Nature Forestry Network in Ukraine.
Expected results
- Guidebook on Close-to-Nature Forest Management adapted to Ukrainian conditions (printed and digital);
- open-access online course for forestry practitioners;
- 36 demonstration sites (marteloscopes) in key regions for hands-on training;
- six workshops and seminars with international and local experts;
- research papers on the benefits and challenges of implementing CNFM in Ukraine;
- exchange visits with Swiss experts for forestry professionals and young people;
- knowledge-sharing hub for continued cooperation between Ukrainian and international forestry professionals;
- roadmap for integrating CNFM practices into Ukraine’s national forestry recovery plan.
Marteloscopes and digital tools
A key practical tool of the project is the marteloscope – a specially prepared forest training plot where individual trees are numbered, measured and mapped. Marteloscopes allow forestry professionals and students to practise tree selection and assess the silvicultural, economic and ecological consequences of different management decisions.
The project also uses the martelage.sylvotheque.ch digital platform, developed by BFH-HAFL, together with the MSC Mobile application and 360-degree virtual forest tours. These tools support practical training, tree-marking exercises and knowledge exchange.
Project activities
8 September 2025
An International Project "From Crisis to Resilience with Close-to-Nature Forest Management in Ukraine" Launched at NUBiP of Ukraine (ENG)
13 July 2026
Practical Training on Close-to-Nature Forest Management for Students and Forestry Professionals (ENG)
Практичне навчання з наближеного до природи лісівництва для студентів і лісівників-практиків (UKR)
24–29 August 2026
NUBiP University representatives take part in a close-to-nature forestry summer school in Switzerland ENG)
Науковці НУБіП України взяли участь у літній школі з наближеного до природи лісівництва у Швейцарії (UKR)
Project Materials