© Yurii Ivanenko for WWF-Ukraine / English Oak

WWF and The HALO Trust restore war-damaged shelterbelts to protect farmland and biodiversity

As Ukraine charts a path to recovery, one of its lesser-known environmental assets is receiving renewed attention. Shelterbelts, which are narrow forest strips that reduce erosion, protect crops from wind, and retain soil moisture, have been heavily damaged by war. A new pilot project in the southern Mykolaiv region is now demonstrating how ecological restoration can go hand in hand with demining efforts.

Led by WWF-Ukraine and The HALO Trust Ukraine, in partnership with the Snihurivka community, the initiative is the first under the “Shelterbelts: Restoration and Resilience” programme. Launched in 2024, the programme aims to ensure that demined land is not only cleared of explosives but also revitalized using climate- and biodiversity-smart approaches.

Where demining ends, land recovery begins

In autumn 2024, scientists and conservationists examined demined plots near the village of Tamaryne. After collecting soil samples and assessing conditions, they developed a restoration plan tailored to local steppe semi-arid zone conditions . This spring, more than 1,000 common oak acorns and over 100 fruit tree seedlings were planted with the help of local residents and experts.

“Mykolaiv is a steppe region with very few forests. While creating new forests is important, it must be done thoughtfully to avoid damaging valuable steppe and meadow ecosystems. Shelterbelts are a perfect example of integrating trees into agricultural landscapes in need of protection,” adds Maryna Romanenko, Chief Specialist at the Department of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Mykolaiv Regional Military Administration.

The planting mix includes native oaks, fruit trees, and shrubs. The fruit trees play a dual role by shielding young oaks and attracting birds and pollinators. The acorns were collected in autumn 2024 by local volunteers, with surplus acorns given to a local family farm to raise seedlings for future planting.

A fragile landscape under pressure

The Mykolaiv region is one of Ukraine’s most intensively farmed areas. More than 80 percent of land is cultivated, and in some districts this reaches 85 percent, compared to a European average of around 25 percent. Decades of monoculture agriculture had already strained ecosystems. The full-scale invasion, along with occupation, shelling, and wildfires, worsened the situation.

Recent assessments show that shelterbelts near the frontline have lost approximately 57 percent of their protective function, significantly affecting agricultural resilience.

“Today, nearly every second demined plot in Mykolaiv region contains remnants of shelterbelts damaged by warfare or wildfires,” says Serhii Shcherbak, Environmental Expert at The HALO Trust Ukraine. “Some were also affected by illegal logging before the full-scale invasion. Our joint initiative with WWF-Ukraine aims to draw legislators' attention to this problem and help develop funding mechanisms for such restoration. This project complements the ongoing efforts of local authorities, landowners, and farmers. Without their participation, a large-scale postwar green recovery in Ukraine will not be possible.”

Building a legal and scientific framework

While tree planting is a highly visible first step, experts emphasize that restoring shelterbelts is a complex and long-term process. It requires consistent care, including hand-weeding, trimming, watering, and protection from disturbances such as ploughing and wildfire.

Shelterbelts also face a lack of legal clarity. Despite their importance for climate adaptation, biodiversity, and agricultural productivity, they remain underregulated in Ukrainian law.

“This pilot project is an important step, but much work lies ahead to develop legal frameworks for restoring war-affected ecosystems,” explains Ganna Lobchenko, Forest Project Manager at WWF-Ukraine and Associate Professor at the Department of Forest Restoration and Melioration at the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine (NUBiP of Ukraine). “Shelterbelts are an effective tool and a modern agroforestry practice. Still, they are poorly protected and not clearly regulated. That must change.”

© WWF-Ukraine 

The restoration site will also serve as a scientific platform. Oleksandr Sovakov, Associate Professor at the same department at NUBiP of Ukraine, is supporting the effort with expert guidance. “This shelterbelt will become a scientific site for our department, and we will ensure its research support. Steppe conditions are challenging for establishing tree stands. While past experience is valuable, the climate has changed significantly in recent decades and must be considered during restoration. This outdoor laboratory will provide scientific data and decision-making basis for further shelterbelt restoration across the region,” he says.

The initial planting was completed in less than five hours by 10 volunteers, who planted over 1,000 acorns and more than 100 fruit trees. The effort was made possible with the support of the Snihurivka City Council and funding from the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

© The HALO Trust

The project sends a clear message: demining must go beyond land clearance. For Ukraine to build resilience to both war and climate change, restoring natural infrastructure such as shelterbelts is essential for nature, for agriculture, and for people.