On May 3, 2023, DSP "Kharkivlisozakhyst" received humanitarian aid from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in the form of pheromone traps and dispensers for conducting forest pathology monitoring of Ips sexdentatus (six-toothed bark beetle) and Ips acuminatus (pine engraver beetle) in Ukraine.
These traps will be used in the near future to track the spread of these dangerous stem pests, facilitate subsequent control measures, and prevent forest dieback. The equipment represents a crucial tool in our ongoing efforts to protect Ukraine's forests from destructive insect infestations that have been exacerbated by wartime conditions.
The FAO's assistance comes at a critical time when Ukrainian forests face multiple threats, including climate change impacts and the ecological consequences of military activities. The pheromone traps will enable our specialists to:
- Accurately monitor bark beetle populations across affected regions
- Identify outbreak hotspots requiring immediate intervention
- Develop targeted pest management strategies
- Prevent large-scale forest degradation
We sincerely thank our international colleagues for this extremely important assistance. This collaboration demonstrates the global forestry community's solidarity with Ukraine during these challenging times. The equipment will be deployed immediately to high-risk areas where bark beetle activity has been detected.
This support from FAO complements Ukraine's existing forest protection efforts and will significantly enhance our capacity to safeguard valuable forest ecosystems. Together, we are working to preserve Ukraine's natural heritage despite the ongoing challenges.
