Features of the Reform of Forest Legislation in Ukraine in the Post-War Period

Abstract

Legal issues related to the reform of forest Legislation in Ukraine are studied, which is critically necessary at present and in the post-war period to restore and preserve the natural potential of the state's forest fund and the ecosystem of Ukraine's forests for the ecological well-being of our country in the future. The author analyzes information from official sources and provides statistical data on the ecological situation of Ukraine's forests, which is currently extremely critical due to the war. Hundreds of thousands of hectares of forests in our country have been destroyed, making them unsuitable for the existence of animal and plant life. The lands of such forests are covered with craters formed by the explosions of mines, bombs, missiles, and other military munitions, which destroy the forest ecosystem. The soil cover of forests in the areas where military operations are taking place and in the surrounding areas is eroded. The author studies and analyzes regulatory and legal acts in the field of forest relations, which are aimed at reforming the latter. The article, based on an analysis of the legislative framework in forestry management, identifies several legal gaps within it. One of the key points proposed in the scientific article is the need to create a program for demining, restoration, protection, and rational use of forest resources in the state by developing a separate section, "State and Legal Policy of Forests of Ukraine," in the Forest Code of Ukraine. Such a program should become a roadmap for ensuring the ecological well-being of our country's forests and for sustainable forest use in the future in accordance with the requirements of the European Union. The author also proposes supplementing the Forest Code of Ukraine with specific norms that would regulate legal relations related to the conservation and reclamation of forestry lands in Ukraine, as well as the implementation of accounting and monitoring of biodiversity in forests. According to the scientist, it is appropriate to develop local "district and regional" forest restoration programs at the regional level. As an extremely important step at the legislative level, the article justifies the need to develop and approve a financial and legal mechanism to ensure the implementation of appropriate demining and forest restoration work in our country.