Pathways for Ukraine's post-war nature recovery: Focus on forest socio-ecological systems

Area of Science:

• Forestry
• Ecology
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Natural ecosystems face significant pressure from climate change, biodiversity loss, and socio-economic stressors.
• Military conflict exacerbates these environmental pressures, particularly in forest socio-ecological systems (SES).

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the root causes of disturbances in Ukraine's forest SES.
• To assess the impacts of the ongoing war on these systems.
• To identify recovery pathways for Ukraine's forest SES.

Main Methods:

• A multi-method approach was used to assess factors affecting Ukraine's forest SES.
• Analysis of disturbances and impacts of the ongoing war.

Main Results:

• Three key recovery pathways were identified: economic focus (low-carbon recovery, timber use), close-to-nature and close-to-people approach (digital tools, climate-resilient recovery), and anticipatory governance and socio-ecological innovation.
• Relying on a single pathway increases long-term vulnerability.
• Integrating recovery pathways creates synergies.

Conclusions:

• Coordinated actions within Ukraine and from international actors are essential for recovery.
• Recovery efforts should align with 'build back better' principles.
• Findings offer insights for Ukraine and other conflict-affected regions.