Eco-solutions: Chernihiv region to receive 16,000 tree saplings from Latvia for forest restoration project

Rubryka discusses Latvia's assistance in Ukraine's reforestation efforts.

What is the problem?

Russian forces are actively destroying the environment by setting fire to fields and forests in Ukraine, both in the areas close to the front line and anywhere else within range of their shells. The "green lungs" of Ukraine are in urgent need of assistance.

What is the solution?

The Chernihiv region recently received additional humanitarian aid from Latvia to restore its territories to greenery. The Department of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Chernihiv Regional State Administration reported that the State Forests of Latvia Joint Stock Company donated over 16,000 spruce and pine seedlings to the region.

How does it work?

The Chernihiv region is known for its forests, with roughly 30% of its land covered in trees. Its forest funds span over 740,200 hectares, with 659,900 hectares specifically designated for forested areas.

In the region, approximately 227 hectares of forest in Chernihiv have been destroyed since the full-scale invasion started. The majority of the destruction occurred during the hostilities in 2022. However, this figure may not be entirely accurate as there are forested areas near the border that forestry workers cannot access, and some parts are still at risk of landmines.

To preserve forest resources in the region, constant work is being done on reforestation, preventing fires in ecosystems, and countering illegal felling of green areas. The Department of Ecology and Natural Resources says the assistance of the JSC State Forests of Latvia was an essential step in supporting environmental initiatives in the region.

The Department of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Chernihiv Regional State Administration delivered 16,250 saplings to the Ichnia National Nature Park to help green its territory. The park's goals include planting trees on approximately 4 hectares of land. According to the department, these young plants will aid in restoring the park's forested areas, protecting local ecosystems, and promoting sustainable management of natural resources.

"Luckily, most of the reserve fund's objects are still in decent condition except for those on the border. However, even with this relatively intact state, restoration is still needed. The trees are dying, facing threats like pests and hurricanes, so there is a constant need for replanting," Vitalina Synihovets, the head of the department of protected affairs and environmental monitoring of the Department of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Chernihiv Regional State Administration, said.

Does it really work?

In late September, Latvia sent a second batch of seedlings to the Chernihiv region for its "Green Aid" program. Back in the summer, the State Forests of Latvia Joint Stock Company donated almost 24,000 saplings as humanitarian aid to help restore greenery in areas impacted by Russian military aggression.

The Department of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Chernihiv Regional State Administration sent 2-3-year-old pine and spruce saplings to green about 7 hectares of the region's territory.

"This planting material, in accordance with the received applications, was distributed between the Ichnia National Nature Park, the communal institutions "Regional Landscape Park "Nizhyn" and "Regional Landscape Park "Yalivshchyna," also part of the seedlings was transferred to the Mykhailo-Kotsiubinsk settlement council. The trees were planted on the territory of the parks and green zones of settlements," Vitalina Synihovets says.

"There are two main components to Latvia's aid: firstly, the Chernihiv region is restoring green spaces and addressing the loss of biodiversity caused by the aggression of Russia, and secondly, the region is receiving support from partner countries, not only in its fight for independence but also in rebuilding a healthy ecological environment," Vitalina Synihovets said.