25 March 2026
Forest ecosystems play a key role in preserving biodiversity, providing habitat for thousands of plant and animal species. Forests are also an important space for recreation and tourism, opening up new opportunities for small businesses, employment and regional development. For local communities, they become a source of jobs, a platform for the development of entrepreneurship and the basis for the creation of environmental educational routes.
In Belarus, forests occupy 40.3% of the territory — almost 10 million hectares. There is about one hectare of forest for every inhabitant of the country, which is twice the global average. The forestry industry employs about 40,000 people, and woodworking products account for 8.4% of exports.
However, forest ecosystems are facing growing threats, primarily related to the effects of climate change. In order to preserve forests, it is important to focus on three key areas:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is making a significant contribution to the development of the Belarusian forestry industry by supporting the introduction of modern approaches to forest resource management.
With the assistance of the UNDP, recommendations have been prepared to improve legislation in the field of forestry. In 2025, proposals have been developed for the use of digital technologies and innovative methods for forest inventory, their protection and protection, as well as to improve the effectiveness of firefighting. In February 2026, a strategy and a national action plan for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity were adopted.
Since 2025, the project “Safeguarding Forests of Belarus: A Comprehensive Fire Preparedness Initiative for Community-Based Fire Prevention and Response” has been implemented by the UNDP in the Gomel region with the support of the People’s Republic of China. It is aimed at introducing a sustainable approach to forest fire management and reducing their negative impact on nature and the population.
Another project, “Ecotourism Development to Promote Green Transition to Inclusive and Sustainable Growth”, is being implemented by the UNDP jointly with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of the Republic of Belarus with the support of the Russian Federation. The project contributes to the development of ecotourism infrastructure, the creation of new routes and services, as well as the training of specialists working in the country’s reserves.
Cooperation at the international, national and local levels makes it possible to form a systematic approach to forest resource management, making a significant contribution to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals 12, 13, 15, 17 and the other SDGs.
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