SFI expert tour 2026: German-Ukrainian exchange strengthens sustainable forest reforms in Ukraine

From Mar 16-20, 2026, a high-level Ukrainian delegation visited Germany as part of the project “Promotion of multi-functional sustainable forest management planning and implementation in Ukraine (Sustainable Forestry Implementation – SFI).” The aim was to deepen the exchange on sustainable forest management, digital solutions and use cases, as well as the implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The expert tour was organized with the support of the German Forestry Association.

The highlight of the trip was the meeting of the Project Steering Group (PSG) at GFA Consulting Group GmbH in Berlin. Serving as the kick-off for 2026, the meeting focused on fine-tuning previously agreed-upon topics and activities, as well as the final approval of the SFI project’s annual program. The in-person exchange was particularly valuable for jointly advancing the project work under the current conditions in Ukraine.

In addition to the PSG, field visits were conducted in Brandenburg and Saxony:

• In Potsdam, modern approaches to forest management were presented, particularly GIS-supported systems and forest inventory.  
• At the Saxony State Forestry Enterprise (Sachsenforst) in Pirna, participants gained comprehensive insights into the legal framework governing forest reproductive material, particularly regarding seed production and genetic resources. In addition, breeding research approaches for adaptation to climate change as well as the advantages and disadvantages of natural regeneration were discussed.

The SFI project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Regional Identity (BMLEH) and implemented jointly by IAK Agrar Consulting GmbH (lead partner) and unique land use GmbH.