We invite you to join an important online seminar dedicated to the future of Ukraine’s natural heritage
We invite you to join an important online seminar dedicated to the future of Ukraine’s natural heritage. In times of war, nature often suffers alongside people — yet it also holds the key to long-term recovery and resilience. As Ukraine moves forward, the protection and sustainable management of its most valuable natural areas, including those within the Emerald Network, are more critical than ever. This event will bring together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to address how we can better safeguard these areas amid ongoing challenges and in preparation for post-war restoration.
The event will take place virtually on 7 November 2025 and will be held in Ukrainian and English.
Participants can register through this link.
Objectives
The event aims to:
Increase awareness among the target audience of the Bern Convention and its relevant resolutions, particularly those governing the designation and management of Emerald sites.
Present methodological recommendations for developing management plans for Emerald sites.
Provide guidance on assessing the impacts of anthropogenic and military factors on Emerald sites.
Share best practices for preparing restoration and management strategies for Emerald sites, especially in the context of Ukraine’s post-war recovery.
Target professionals responsible for spatial planning, strategic regional and local community development, and the development and management of Emerald site management plans.
Participants
The workshop will gather the representatives of the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture, the State Forestry Agency, the State Water Agency, the State Fisheries Agency, the State Environmental Inspectorate, stakeholders of the three model Emerald sites, representatives of the Protected Areas’ administration, the World Bank, EU Delegation to Ukraine, research and academic institutions, universities and higher schools, media, and civil society organisations.
Background
This workshop supports Ukraine’s commitments under the Bern Convention, with a focus on the designation and management of Emerald sites. It will address key aspects of management planning, impact assessment, and post-war restoration strategies for these important conservation areas. This workshop is one of the nine capacity-building events organized as part of the World Bank-led activities under EU4Environment Program sub-component 4.1: Support to protect biodiversity and natural ecosystems (Emerald network). Activities under this sub-component aim to advance the establishment of the Emerald Network and management of the Emerald Sites in the Eastern Partner countries, including Ukraine.