The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved the Strategy for the Development of Hunting Management in Ukraine until 2035 and has adopted an implementation plan for 2025–2027. UAnimals holds the opinion that any activities related to hunting should be postponed until martial law is lifted.
In December 2019, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine presented the first version of the hunting management development strategy, which served as the basis for the current Strategy. The document was revised to align with European legislation and Ukrainian realities, according to the All-Ukrainian Association of Hunters.
UAnimals believes that hunting in Ukraine should not be resumed at least until the end of martial law. Ukrainian nature is suffering due to military actions. It will take years to overcome the consequences of forest and steppe fires, landmines, and the widespread destruction of natural ecosystems. Experts are unable to fully assess the damage caused to protected areas and national parks, as 139,000 square kilometers of Ukraine are mined and continue to be affected by hostilities. Therefore, it is not the time to further disturb wildlife through hunting.
According to UAnimals, the Hunting Development Strategy significantly differs from relevant European Union documents. For instance, the Strategy lacks concrete details regarding bird hunting regulations, which creates legal gaps and opens the door to abuse. Additionally, European laws require strict protection of species and habitats. While the Strategy mentions habitat preservation, the lack of specific details could result in inconsistent protection of certain species.
UAnimals’ legal team has submitted comments to the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the State Forest Resources Agency. They are also preparing appeals to the government and to the committees of the Verkhovna Rada on environmental policy and on Ukraine’s integration into the European Union.
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Photo: Péter Kövesi
