Report on GG20 Fundraising Round for the "Rewilding for Ecovillages in Ukraine" Project
Thanks to the successful fundraising on the GG20 platform, the "Rewilding for Ecovillages in Ukraine" project has achieved significant milestones and impacts on the development of ecovillages in Ukraine. Below are the key accomplishments and outcomes made possible by the funds received.
Installation of Information Boards
In three locations - Charivne, Zeleni Kruchi, and Prostir Lyubovi - the first information boards have been installed, providing visitors with essential information about local ecology and conservation efforts.
Additional Work in Prostir Lyubovi
- A road to the Lagulsky Landscape Reserve and Arboretum has been built.
- The first tour for students and conservationists from Polissia University has taken place.
- Work on laying an eco-trail and constructing a bird-watching tower is underway.
Development of Boards in Svitanove, Kolo Lisu, and Kuyalnyk
In these settlements, the boards have been developed but not yet installed due to the ongoing conflict and tense atmosphere. Despite this, the work on conservation boards has sparked interest and collaboration from new partners.
New Spaces and Initiatives
- New spaces like Busha, Omelyanivka, and Tepla Hora have joined our initiative.
- These and other communities in our network have started working with ecologists on establishing reserves and protected areas in their territories.
Project in Omelyanivka
In the ecovillage of Omelyanivka, there is remarkable experience in protecting approximately 100 hectares of forest. Currently, work has begun with a local ecologist to designate these areas as a conservation zone.
Key Developments:
- The first layout of the information board has been developed.
- Collaborative efforts are ongoing with local ecologists to formalize the protected status of the forest area.
This project in Omelyanivka exemplifies the community's dedication to preserving natural habitats and contributes significantly to the overarching goals of the "Rewilding for Ecovillages in Ukraine" initiative.
Project in Tepla Hora
In the Tepla Hora eco-center, actions have begun to create a lake for their rewilding project. Preparation for this took around three years, and the grant partially funded this work, stimulating further actions:
- Creating a bioplato.
- Repairing the access road.
Project in Busha
In the Busha ecovillage, active work has begun on creating the Lysivka Mountain Landscape Reserve. The local community is actively fighting against the development of a new limestone quarry that threatens the ecosystem.
Overall Achievements
Currently, we have about a dozen potential conservation sites where, thanks to the @Maearth Ma Earth grant, climate activities are being carried out to study, preserve, and restore ecosystems.
The "Rewilding for Ecovillages in Ukraine" project continues to develop and bring positive changes to Ukrainian ecovillages, contributing to the protection and restoration of nature.