Kyiv, 17 June 2026 — The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved the Biodiversity Conservation Strategy of Ukraine until 2035 and its 2026-2028 Operational Action Plan. The document sets out a long-term vision for protecting and restoring Ukraine’s natural ecosystems and lays the groundwork for integrating nature conservation measures into the country’s recovery process.

Developed with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the strategy is aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and reflects Ukraine’s commitments under the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Paris Agreement, and other international environmental instruments.

The strategy approved on 10 June 2026 sets out 23 strategic goals aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and includes more than 270 measures for their implementation during the first three years. These measures cover a broad range of issues, from expanding protected areas and restoring degraded ecosystems, to integrating biodiversity considerations into economic planning, community development, and recovery policies.

The document was prepared with the participation of leading Ukrainian experts, representatives of government institutions, scientific organizations, civil society, and international partners. The draft Strategy underwent public consultations and a strategic environmental assessment, and was endorsed by more than 60 national and local government institutions and authorities.

Oleksandr Krasnolutskyi, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine, said the strategy was a practical action plan for the upcoming years. “It will help better protect valuable natural areas, restore ecosystems, and engage communities in nature conservation,” Krasnolutskyi said. “At the same time, the document brings Ukraine closer to European standards in the field of biodiversity conservation.”

Roman Shakhmatenko, Team Leader of UNDP in Ukraine's Energy and Environment Portfolio, emphasized that investing in nature is an investment in the country’s long-term resilience:

“Mitigating the impacts of climate change, strengthening resilience to climate risks, ensuring environmental security, and conserving and restoring ecosystems are among UNDP’s priorities in Ukraine,” Shakhmatenko said. “The adoption of the first Biodiversity Strategy since Ukraine’s independence, along with its Action Plan, is an important step towards safeguarding the country’s natural heritage. It will help strengthen climate resilience, support the sustainable management of natural resources, and advance Ukraine’s efforts to meet its international environmental commitments.”

Background:

Biodiversity is the foundation of life. At the same time, biodiversity is declining rapidly worldwide. Around 25% of plant and animal species globally are facing the threat of extinction, potentially meaning the loss of up to one million species in the coming decades. In Ukraine, over the past 20 years, the number of plant species listed as endangered has increased by 55%, while the number of endangered animal species has risen by 63%.

War also poses significant risks to natural ecosystems and individual species, and causes the degradation of key biodiversity areas. Therefore, biodiversity conservation and restoration are considered by Ukraine a key element of national recovery, closely linked to national development, food security, climate change adaptation, and the achievement of a sustainable future.

Media enquiries:
Yuliia Samus, Head of Communications and Advocacy, UNDP in Ukraine
yuliia.samus@undp.org