Guest article fromv Olesya Petrovych, WWF Ukraine
Since July 2021, WWF-Ukraine has been facilitating a stakeholder discussion on how climate-related nature-based solutions can be applied in Ukraine. This work has been carried out through the INSURE project funded by Sweden and implemented in cooperation with WWF Central and Eastern Europe, WWF-Sweden, and WWF-Poland (INSURE stands for movIng Nature-baSed climate solutions into Ukraine’s Reform agenda).
The long-term goal of the project is to achieve integration of nature-based solutions into Ukraine’s policy reform agenda by establishing the necessary knowledge base and stakeholder support while building capacity and addressing key drivers of change.
After the onset of the war in Ukraine in February 2022, the project goals were extended to embrace efficient nature-based solutions in the context of post-war recovery. Since Ukraine was given EU candidate status and discussions started on how to support the country in achieving sustainable post-war recovery, nature-based solutions have gained additional relevance as they can help meet multiple objectives, from biodiversity conservation to climate goals and securing Ukraine’s agricultural soils.
The main project outcomes are:
- The development of a “climate-smart” Vision for Ukraine and high-level policy recommendations to include nature-based solutions into the reform agenda;
- The development and launch of the first Ukrainian-language Nature-based solutions platform - a website that is a source of helpful information, methodologies, and best practice for those responsible for strategic planning and practical implementation of nature-based solutions;
- The development of a youth-oriented leadership programme and an open training course aimed at inspiring and engaging young people, equipping them with knowledge, practical cases and frameworks for action; and
- The delivery of a small grants programme, organised for knowledge sharing and bringing non-governmental organisations and local executive authorities together to introduce nature-based solutions into strategic development plans and local communities’ restoration plans.
Read more about the project outcomes in the summary for policymakers: Nature-based solutions in forestry, water and agriculture for restoration of Ukraine and climate change adaptation.
Knowledge sharing event
On 24 November, WWF will share the results of this stakeholder discussion process at the event “Harnessing the power of Nature-based Solutions as a contribution to sustainable post-war recovery and the environmental legislation of Ukraine”.
The event will explore which nature-base solutions are likely to have the largest positive impact in the sectors of agriculture, forestry and water management and which reform processes are needed as a prerequisite for success. Ukrainian policy makers will reflect on the potential they see in moving towards a nature-base solutions agenda in Ukraine its role in the accession and post-war recovery process. The meeting will include open discussion with representatives of the European Commission, foreign representations in Brussels, and the nature-based solutions expert community.
The event will take place in a hybrid format, linking delegates in Brussels with participants in Ukraine and around the world.
To join the meeting online, please register at this address.