FORZA stands for "Swiss-Ukrainian Forest Development Project in Transcarpathia". It originated from the Swiss-Ukrainian collaboration (Humanitarian Aid Department of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)) in natural disaster relief and reconstruction after the floods of 1998 and 2001. This gave rise to the forestry project. It was launched in 2003 with an anticipated duration of 7-9 years.

FORZA is a technical collaboration project between the Swiss and Ukrainian governments, and financed by the Swiss government through SDC. The project encourages the exchange of know-how and the implementation of internationally acceptable practices and standards in forest resources management. INTERCOOPERATION - the Swiss Foundation for International Development and Cooperation - implements FORZA in collaboration with the Educational Forestry Center in Maienfeld. The Project Coordination Unit (PCU) in t. Uzhhorod is responsible for local project coordination.

FORZA is carried out in partnership between Ukrainian and Swiss organizations that have jointly determined the objectives and focus of the project. The main Ukrainian partners are: the State Forestry Committee of Ukraine, PU "Ukrderzhlisproekt", the Oblast Forest Department, the Transcarpathian Forestry Technical College in Khust, Khust and Rakhiv pilot state forestry enterprises. The project also collaborates with many more stakeholders, such as local communities, private sector representatives, NGO's working in different sectors, various administrative bodies in Transcarpathia, and environmental and research institutions and universities.

Most project activities take place in Transcarpathia and the benefits from these activities will also accrue mostly in this Oblast. With technical and financial project support, the Transcarpathian Forest Administration and the State Forest Enterprises are introducing a new participatory resource planning and management approach, which besides positive environmental and social results, will also aid sustainable economic benefits to stakeholders of the Transcarpathian forest sector and will facilitate access to European markets for its value-added wood and non-timber forest products. In testing these new approaches, the project pays special attention to the community of Nyzhniy Bystryy where, within the scope of a model Watershed Development Plan, the project supports participatory development planning, riverbank enforcement and besides practical improvement of heat efficiency of the local school, is studying the fuelwood efficiency of households. Based on the experience gained in this model area, FORZA promotes collaboration among local forest administrations, village councils and other stakeholders in resource planning and management in the entire Oblast and beyond. Another key activity is the so-called "close-to-nature" management practices that are being applied in the two lishosps Khust and Rakhiv that have been granted experimental status. The objective of close-to-nature silviculture is to test the transformation of the currently even-aged and homogeneous forest to stands of different tree ages and of a multitude of tree species. The long-term goal of this approach is to gradually phase-out clear-cutting of large areas. Under the close-to-nature forest management regime, all forest stakeholders will benefit because in the absence of clear cutting, forests will be able to maintain their economic, social and environmental functions without disruption. In terms of non-timber forest products, FORZA is testing options for developing the non-timber forest products potential in the region by supporting the collecting, processing and marketing of mushrooms, berries and herbs in collaboration with local entrepreneurs.

FORZA works with the Oblast and rayon administrations in promoting sustainable rural development through better resource utilization and expansion of the potential for eco-tourism. With the support of FORZA, training and support for the improvement of service has been provided to some model households along the Transcarpathian Hiking Trail.

FORZA continues to facilitate the exchange of experience and replication by disseminating the lessons learnt from the model /pilot areas to other areas and by supporting ideas and initiatives aimed at community development.

FORZA also works closely with the private wood processors of Transcarpathia in improving economic efficiency and in developing markets for their wood products and improving the potential for employment.

Since FORZA focuses on Transcarpathia and particularly on the Rakhiv and Khust state forestry enterprises the main benefits of the project are in these areas. However, the combined long-term effects of FORZA will not only benefit the partners who are directly involved in project activities but will have a positive impact on Transcarpathia and the Carpathian region as a whole. Replicating improved participatory management practices in other regions will help to create conditions in the forest sector that are not only environmentally sustainable but that encourage economic development and long-term investment.