ANALYSIS OF THE INSTITUTIONAL ENVIRONMENT FOR THE INTEGRATION OF ECOSYSTEM SERVICES IN THE FORESTRY OF UKRAINE

Abstract

This paper critically examines the institutional framework governing the incorporation of ecosystem services within the context of forestry practices in Ukraine. Despite the diverse array of ecosystem services offered by Ukrainian forests, the predominant focus of the nation's forestry sector remains centered on timber production, neglecting the critical aspects of conservation and restoration associated with these services. The paper identifies several key features characterizing the existing institutional framework for the integration of ecosystem services into Ukrainian forestry: a) Lack of Unified Legislative Definitions: One major shortcoming lies in the absence of a cohesive legislative definition for crucial terms such as "ecosystem services" and "integration of ecosystem services." This ambiguity hinders the development of a clear and universally understood framework for incorporating these services into forestry practice; b) Diversity in Approaches to Definition and Assessment: The paper highlights the existence of diverse approaches to defining and assessing ecosystem services within the forestry sector. This lack of standardization complicates efforts to establish a comprehensive and consistent understanding of the various services provided by Ukrainian forests; c) Insufficient Coordination among Stakeholders: Another significant issue is the inadequate level of coordination among diverse stakeholders within the forestry sector. The lack of effective communication and collaboration hampers the holistic integration of ecosystem services into forestry practices. In response to these identified challenges, the author suggests a set of strategic measures aimed at enhancing the institutional framework for integrating ecosystem services into Ukrainian forestry: a) Development of Unified Legislative Definitions: The paper recommends the formulation of a singular legislative definition for key terms such as "ecosystem services" and "integration of ecosystem services." This would provide a foundational basis for a more coherent and universally accepted understanding within the forestry sector; b) Establishment of Standardized Assessment Methods: To address the diversity in approaches to defining and assessing ecosystem services, the author advocates for the development of standardized methods for evaluating these services within forestry practices. This would contribute to a more consistent and comparable assessment across different regions and contexts; c) Creation of an Effective Coordination System: Recognizing the inadequacy of coordination among stakeholders, the paper proposes the establishment of a robust coordination system within the forestry sector. This system would facilitate collaboration and information sharing among various stakeholders, fostering a more integrated approach to ecosystem service management. Implementation of these proposed measures is anticipated to enhance the overall institutional framework, leading to more effective management of Ukrainian forests. By prioritizing ecosystem functions alongside timber production, these measures aim to strike a balance that ensures the sustainability and resilience of Ukrainian forests in the long term.