From Assessing the Impacts of War to Sustainable Development
Training Course for Young Professionals in Forestry, Ecology and Nature Conservation
01 September 2026 | Ref. No. 10/09
Zoï Environment Network (ZOI), Switzerland, in cooperation with the Regional Eastern European Fire Monitoring Center (REEFMC), is implementing the training course “foRestore: Forest Restoration in Ukraine – From Assessing the Impacts of War to Sustainable Development.”
The programme is designed for young professionals working in forestry, ecology and nature conservation and aims to prepare a new generation of specialists for the future restoration of Ukraine’s forests affected by the war.
The programme will be implemented throughout 2026–2027 through three training modules, with the participation of leading Ukrainian scientists and experts. The course is aligned with relevant international strategic frameworks and principles of sustainable forest management.
Call for Support
We kindly ask the State Agency of Forest Resources of Ukraine to support the dissemination of information about the training course among forestry enterprises and to inform young professionals in the forestry sector about the opportunity to participate in the programme.
Module 1: Forests of Ukraine in Wartime
Monitoring and Assessing the Impact of Hostilities on Forest Ecosystems
Registration for Module 1 is open until 4 September 2026.
Module 1 is a professional development course equivalent to 3 ECTS credits. It will be delivered online from September to December 2026, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 18:30–20:00 (EET).
The module will bring together leading Ukrainian researchers and experts specializing in assessing the impacts of war on forest ecosystems.
The programme covers:
- Types of wartime impacts on forest ecosystems
- Methods for assessing the impacts of hostilities on ecosystems
- Environmental and social consequences for forests and local communities
- Approaches to organizing public dialogue on forest restoration
What Participants Will Gain
Upon completion of the course, participants will:
- develop practical skills for monitoring and assessing damage to forest ecosystems;
- become familiar with current methodologies for analysing forest ecosystem conditions;
- gain a better understanding of the environmental and social dimensions of forest restoration in wartime and post-war Ukraine;
- learn approaches to stakeholder and public dialogue on forest restoration.
Participants who successfully complete the programme may receive a professional development certificate issued by Sumy National Agrarian University (SNAU).
Who Can Apply?
The course is intended for:
- forestry professionals and employees of forestry enterprises;
- ecologists and nature conservation specialists;
- university lecturers and educators in relevant disciplines;
- representatives of local communities;
- representatives of government authorities;
- business and other stakeholders involved in forest management and restoration.
Registration
Registration is open until 4 September 2026.
The number of places is limited.
Further Information
Course Coordinator:
Prof. Andrii Bilous
📞 +380 67 209 75 45
✉️ a.bilous@snau.edu.ua
Course Organisers
Zoï Environment Network (ZOI), Switzerland
in cooperation with
Regional Eastern European Fire Monitoring Center (REEFMC)
Director of REEFMC:
Serhii Zibtsev
Contact
Serhii Zibtsev
Regional Eastern European Fire Monitoring Center (REEFMC)
Ambrosiia Buchmy St., 8-250
Kyiv, 02052, Ukraine
📞 +38 067 261 16 82
✉️ Sergiy.zibtsev@gmail.com
🌐 nubip.edu.ua/pro-pidrozdil-0
EDRPOU: 41185454