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September 10, 2025

Degradation and restoration of forest ecosystems in the context of war: Environmental and economic challenges to Ukrainian national security

Key Points

Forest ecosystems have significantly degraded due to military operations, causing loss of biodiversity and tree cover.
Heavy metals were found in soils, with lead concentrations reaching up to 450 mg/kg in Izium forest, indicating severe contamination.
The study highlights a decline in forest resources, estimated economic losses, and an impact on agriculture, leading to increased unemployment.
An integrated restoration approach is essential for addressing the environmental and economic challenges facing Ukraine's national security.

Abstract

The study aimed to identify the effects of military operations on forest ecosystems and find effective approaches to their restoration in the face of environmental and economic challenges. The methodology used was to analyse the impact of military operations on forest ecosystems, assess the economic consequences of forest degradation, and develop a restoration strategy through demining, reclamation and the implementation of monitoring systems. The study analysed the extent of destruction of forest ecosystems as a result of the war, including loss of tree cover, damage caused by fires, mining and mechanical damage. The study established that most forest areas have lost their ability to regenerate themselves due to changes in the hydrological regime and biodiversity. The data on soil contamination with heavy metals are summarised: lead 450 mg/kg and cadmium 6.5 mg/kg were detected in Izium forest; lead 390 mg/kg and cadmium 5.2 mg/kg in Sviatohirsk forest; lead 280 mg/kg and cadmium 3.8 mg/kg in Chernihiv forest; lead 320 mg/kg and cadmium 4.1 mg/kg in Kherson forest. The economic losses from the decline in forest resources, reduction in forest industry revenues and job losses were estimated. The impact on agriculture was analysed, including a decrease in soil productivity, erosion and changes in microclimate. Social consequences, including population displacement and increased unemployment, were identified. Threats to national security due to environmental destabilisation were outlined. The necessity of an integrated approach to restoration, including demining, soil treatment, reforestation with adaptive species and satellite monitoring to prevent illegal logging, was substantiated. The findings of this study can be used to develop strategies for restoring forest ecosystems, planning environmental policy, as well as to attract international assistance and implement sustainable forestry practices in Ukraine

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Cite This Study

Semenenkо et al. (Wed,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/68c1c22554b1d3bfb60ef502 https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.31548/forest/2.2025.167

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