Eco-solutions: 500km of forest roads to be built in Ukraine in 2023

The newly created state enterprise of Ukraine" plans to build 500 kilometers of forest roads, which is a record number in recent years. The largest number of roads will be built in the Carpathians and Polissia.

Yuriy Blokhovets, head of the State Forest Resources Agency of Ukraine, reported that on Facebook.

What is the problem?

The insufficient development of the forest transport network is one of the main problems of the Ukrainian forest industry, Blokhovets says.

He emphasizes that the density of forest roads in Ukraine is several times lower than in Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Austria, etc.

What is the solution?

It is noted that the number of forest roads in Ukraine has been constantly increasing in recent years.

Thus, in 2020, 65 km were built, in 2021 – 130 km, in 2022 – 140 km.

"This year, given the new opportunities opened up by the reform of the forest industry and the creation of the State Enterprise "Forests of Ukraine", the number of new roads should be more than tripled," Blokhovets noted.

How does it work?

Blokhovets explained that such construction will ensure:

• more effective prevention of fires;
• timber cutting in a remote area, not near populated areas;
• reduction of timber cutting self-cost and transportation costs;
• strengthening control over illegal logging;
• development of the recreational potential of the region;
• socioeconomic development of depressed regions;
• preservation of forest soils, their proper ecological condition.

He emphasized that investments in forest roads are economically justified. After all, the funds spent are quickly returned under the condition of effective management.

Blokhovets added that the regional offices of "Forests of Ukraine" plan to build:

• 30 km of roads – in the Podilsky Forestry Office;
• 160 km – in the Karpatsky Forestry Office;
• 180 km – in the Polisky Forestry Office;
• 100 km – in the Stolychny Foresty Office;
• 30 km – in the Central Forestry Office.

He also noted that almost 90% of the constructions are expected to be carried out by contractors. The preparation of the first tenders for the Central Office will begin in the near future.