In Mykolaiv Region, Protective Tree Belts Are Being Restored to Enhance Crop Yields and Environmental Safety

In the Mykolaiv region, the first phase of restoring war-damaged tree belts has been completed, aimed at strengthening ecosystems and increasing agricultural productivity in the area. The project was implemented with the support of the World Wildlife Fund WWF-Ukraine and The HALO Trust organization in collaboration with the local community of Snihurivka.

This is reported by AgroReview

What Are Tree Belts and Their Role in Protecting Agricultural Lands

Tree belts are strips of trees and shrubs used to protect agricultural plots from dust storms, dry winds, and water erosion. They are essential elements of modern agroforestry, contributing to soil conservation and increased yields. As part of the initiative, over 1,000 acorns and more than 100 fruit plants were sown and planted with the active participation of local residents, Mykolaiv inhabitants, and specialists within just a few hours.

“This pilot project is an important step, but there is still work ahead to develop legal frameworks for restoring ecosystems disrupted by war. Tree belts provide reliable protection and are a modern practice in agroforestry, but they are not sufficiently protected or regulated by legislation,” notes Hanna Lobchenko, project manager for ‘Forests’ at WWF-Ukraine and associate professor at the Department of Forest Reproduction and Forest Melioration at NUBiP of Ukraine.

The Importance of Protective Tree Belts for the Region and Future Steps

According to recent studies, nearly 57% of tree belts near the front line have lost their functionality due to military actions and fires. This significantly reduces the region’s ability to withstand water and wind risks and worsens agricultural potential. In a region where the level of arable land reaches 85%, while in Europe it is only 25%, restoring tree belts is a key measure to enhance agricultural and environmental safety.

Remnants of damaged tree belts can be found today in almost every second demined area of the Mykolaiv region. This is part of large-scale efforts to mitigate the consequences of war and fires, as well as combat illegal logging even before the war began. Restoring tree belts should become a state priority program to strengthen the agricultural potential and environmental stability of the country.

A workshop titled “Restoration of Tree Belts After Combat Actions: Joint Solutions for Communities” is planned for April 2025, which will serve as a platform for dialogue between authorities, the public, and experts. The restoration of protective plantings should become a national strategic program to ensure sustainable development of the agricultural sector and adaptation to climate change.