Lviv hosts event bringing together the most ardent defenders of the Carpathians

On 19 January, the Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) initiated an event in Lviv called an “Evening of Good Stories about the Conservation of the Carpathians”.

The event was attended by representatives of 14 protected areas of the Carpathians. Also present were representatives of the regional administrations of Lviv, Chernivtsi and Zakarpattia, the German Ambassador to Ukraine, and partners and friends of FZS.  The event brought together participants united by the common idea of preserving the Carpathians.

Michael Brombacher, Head of European Programs at FZS, was joined in his welcoming remarks by Oleksandr Krasnolutskyi, First Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine, and MP Rostyslav Tistyk. “The war has upended all plans, however, I am proud of Ukraine’s protected areas, which have met new challenges with dignity and continue to fulfil their primary function of preserving the Carpathians,” said Michael Brombacher. “And even in  a year as difficult as 2023, thanks to joint efforts and high-quality cooperation, we see many  examples of great work that we will share and multiply.”

The event was initiated by the FZS  to reflect on conservation achievements in the Carpathians during 2023: despite the difficulties faced by national parks and reserves in Ukraine due to the full-scale invasion by Russia, conservation work has not stopped, even for a moment.  Participants at the event took the opportunity to exchange success stories, including on support for internally displaced persons, the construction of the first two ranger lodges in the Perkalaba tract in Verkhovynskyi National Park, and the implementation of the SMART biodiversity monitoring system in the parks.

FZS also shared plans for 2024, which it aims to implement with the support of local communities, protected areas, and local authorities. In particular, they discussed the progress of the renovation of the ancient Count Gredl Palace in Skole Beskydy National Park, as well as a range of other construction projects. Currently, FZS in Ukraine supports more than 20 construction and reconstruction projects in the Carpathian region, including park administrative buildings, ranger and scientist lodges, and visitor centers. Construction is carried out using a blend of traditional methods, such as Hutsul architecture, and the latest technologies such as green roofs, eco-friendly materials, and renewable energy sources. As Iryna Burbylo, the coordinator of the construction projects

In 2024, FZS will continue to work with, and provide sustainable support to, protected areas in strategic areas such as the creation of management plans, updating eco-education programs, installing entrance and information signs in national parks, and supporting local communities. FZS has also announced the resumption of its work in another unique region – Polesia.

of FZS in Ukraine, noted: “At a time when the enemy attacks Ukraine’s infrastructure almost every day and large areas become scorched earth, it is a great responsibility and honor to be able to build and restore, preserving inherently Ukrainian traditions.”

In 2024, FZS will continue to work with, and provide sustainable support to, protected areas in strategic areas such as the creation of management plans, updating eco-education programs, installing entrance and information signs in national parks, and supporting local communities. FZS has also announced the resumption of its work in another unique region – Polissia.