ECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT AND LEGAL FRAMEWORKS FOR FOREST BIO-RESOURCES IN EASTERN POLESIE: INTEGRATING Vaccinium myrtillus AND Aronia melanocarpa INTO EU BIODIVERSITY FRAMEWORKS AND INTERNATIONAL FOOD SAFETY STANDARDS

The sustainable management of forest bio-resources in the Eastern Polesie (Ukraine) requires a complex legal and ecological approach to meet global standards. This study evaluates the integration of native Vaccinium myrtillus L. and introduced Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliott into the EU biodiversity frameworks and international food safety protocols. Based on extensive field research in the Nevklia and Tupychiv forestries, we established that bilberry productivity in Molinio-Pinetum associations reaches 550 kg/ha, while intensive Aronia plantations yield up to 5,000 kg/ha. Ecotoxicological analysis verified that Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd) concentrations in the fruits and shoots of both species (0.030–0.033 mg/kg dry weight) are 10–15 times lower than the Maximum Levels (MLs) established by the Codex Alimentarius (CXS 193-1995, 2025). Furthermore, the presence of rare orchids protected under the CITES Convention and the Red Data Book of Ukraine within managed forest areas confirms the ecological safety of this "dual-resource" model. The results provide a robust regulatory and methodological basis for the ecological management of forestry enterprises within the Emerald Network, ensuring compliance with the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and international GACP requirements.