Nature-based solutions for Ukraine. From theory to practice: forests and water

Ukraine aims to reduce carbon emissions by 65% till 2030 and achieve climate neutrality by 2060. Among the pathways to achieve these goals are landscape restoration, promoting resource-saving land cultivation technologies, implementing “climate-smart” agriculture and forestry, fostering organic production, river and water bodies conservation, and preserving biodiversity.

The onset of war has brought humanitarian challenges and economic recovery issues that demand immediate attention. Nevertheless, environmental recovery, including the climate component, is equally critical. Widespread destruction of urban areas and infrastructure, hundreds of thousands of hectares of burned forests and fields, contaminated water bodies, and soil due to warfare, lead to economic losses, additional greenhouse gas emissions, and reduced resilience to climate change.

Nature-based solutions can contribute to climate resilience, reducing the risk of natural disasters, restoring the environment, carbon sequestration in biomass, and serve as a basis for sustainable socio-economic development. This underscores the importance of integrating these solutions into the country’s recovery strategy and relevant donor programs.

During the panel discussion, officials, international and Ukrainian experts will discuss approaches, practices, policies, and necessary steps to ensure:

• the reconstruction of Ukraine, working in harmony with nature rather than against it;
• the attainment of climate and sustainable development goals;
• the reduction of the war’s negative impact on natural ecosystems amidst climate change;
• the creation of financial incentives for nature-friendly practices;
• the support for the development of human capital, Ukrainian science, and education;
• the establishment of a fair and inclusive society.

Moderator: Kostyantyn Hura, Conservation Director, WWF-Ukraine

• Oleg Bondarenko, Chairman, Environmental Policy and Nature Management of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (Parliament) (TBC)
• Victor Smal, Acting сhairman, State Forest Resources Agency of Ukraine
• Ganna Lobchenko, WWF-Ukraine
• Hanna Plotnykova, Representative of United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, Secretariat of the Convention on Transboundary Waters
• Inna Goch, National technical analyst, UNDP in Ukraine
• Franziska Tanneberger, Succow Foundation (TBC)

Watch the recording of the event: