Viktor Pavlushchyk, Head of the National Agency on Corruption Prevention, discussed with representatives of WWF-Ukraine joint actions to solve problems in the forestry sector. The forms of cooperation include joint strategic analysis of corruption risks.
“The NACP corruption risk analysis is an effective tool for preventing corruption. The NACP survey data shows a high prevalence of corruption in the forestry sector. The main source of corruption risks is the imperfection of legislation and the lack of clearly defined procedures, which is used by dishonest officials. It is important for us to join forces with all stakeholders to develop effective anti-corruption safeguards in the forestry sector. We are determined to cooperate productively with the specialists of the World Wide Fund for Nature. Such cooperation strengthens the positions of each party and allows us to achieve a common result,” said NACP Head Viktor Pavlushchyk.
The NACP has begun collecting information on possible corruption risks in the forestry sector to address, in particular, the problem of illegal deforestation, change of designated purpose of forest land, functioning of the timber market and engages partners to develop effective recommendations to eliminate identified corruption risks.
During the meeting, Valeriia Kolomiets, Director of Programs and Projects for the Restoration of Ukraine at WWF-Ukraine, noted that the issue of sustainable and effective forest management has been one of the organization's important focuses for many years. In addition to conducting a number of studies to develop best practices in this area, WWF-Ukraine regularly communicates and gathers all stakeholders: government agencies, scientists, business and international partners.
“It is important to understand that the restoration needs pose great risks for Ukrainian forests, which is why it is important to identify the problem and develop the most effective solutions with the involvement of the widest possible range of stakeholders. The organization's experts will be happy to join the NACP initiative not only to share their own experience, but also to provide the Agency experts with a deeper understanding of the problem and ways to solve it,” said Valeriia Kolomiets.
It should be noted that the NACP conducts a strategic analysis of corruption risks in various spheres of public life. Thus, the NACP identifies corruption risks based on the analysis of legislation, exchange of information with public authorities, and information from law enforcement agencies. Based on the results of the corruption risk study, the NACP provides clear recommendations to the authorities on how to eliminate gaps in legislation that create conditions for corruption abuse, and monitors the implementation of these recommendations.
WWF-Ukraine WWF-Ukraine is the largest and one of the most influential independent conservation organizations in the world, with more than 5 million supporters and offices in more than 100 countries. The main areas of WWF's work include the protection of forests, freshwater bodies, seas and oceans, conservation of flora and fauna, minimization of toxic substances, and climate change.
