Svitlana Grynchuk participates in ParkFest: Where Nature Speaks festival

The restoration and expansion of the nature reserve fund, securing international support, and reforming the system were discussed at the ParkFest: Where Nature Speaks festival, held at the state-owned Mezhyhirya to mark the Day of Nature Reserve Workers.

The event was attended by Svitlana Grynchuk, Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources, Oleh Nemchinov, Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers, Mykola Kalashnyk, Head of the Kyiv Regional State Administration, Oleh Bondarenko, Chair of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Environmental Policy and Nature Management, Olena Kryvoruchkina, Deputy Chair of the Committee, MPs Yuliia Ovchynnikova and Ihor Marchuk, Monica Rijal, Deputy Resident Representative for Operations at UNDP Ukraine, representatives of foreign diplomatic missions from Moldova, Belgium, Poland, Azerbaijan, and Bulgaria, as well as representatives of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources and nature reserve institutions from across Ukraine.

“Due to russia’s aggression, approximately 2,000 territories and objects of the nature reserve fund, covering a total area of 1.8 million hectares, have been affected by the invasion. Meotyda, Dzharylgach, Pryazovskyi, Oleshky Sands, Velykyi Luh, Biloberezhzhya Svyatoslava, Nyzhniodniprovskyi... In total, 10 national nature parks, 8 reserves, and 2 biosphere reserves in Ukraine are occupied. Active combat has been ongoing for two years in the Dvorichanskyi National Nature Park. Hetmanskyi, Desniansko-Starohutskyi, Kamianska Sich, and Sviati Hory are constantly suffering from shelling, drones, and sabotage groups. The destruction of the Kakhovka HPP dam alone caused approximately UAH 140 billion in damages to the nature reserve fund. To date, the total damage to the nature reserve fund exceeds UAH 3 trillion,” Svitlana Grynchuk emphasised during her speech.

According to the Minister, despite the wartime conditions, efforts to develop the nature reserve network continue. Last year alone, 86 territories and objects of the nature reserve fund were established, covering nearly 5,000 hectares. The goal is to reach the European average of protected areas, which is around 26% in EU countries, indicating there is still progress to be made.

“A key issue is system reform. During negotiations in Brussels with European colleagues, we agreed that the first step toward effective development of nature reserve management is the creation of a specialised agency. A draft law amending the Law of Ukraine ‘On the Nature Reserve Fund of Ukraine’ is under government review, which proposes establishing a single body to manage reserve affairs. This is a fundamental change that will strengthen the institutional capacity of the sector,” noted Svitlana Grynchuk.

This year, nearly all funds from the budget programme for environmental measures are being allocated to the needs of nature reserve institutions.

Today, over 4,500 workers in the sector continue to protect nature, develop recreation where possible, engage in environmental education and research, initiate rehabilitation programmes for combat veterans, and maintain unity and solidarity. Last year alone, around 1 million people visited nature reserve institutions. At today’s event in the state-owned Mezhyhirya, parks showcased their activities to inspire, unite, and move forward. During the event, Svitlana Grynchuk had the honour of presenting departmental awards to teams and workers.

Svitlana Grynchuk also handed over equipment to national parks and reserves in the Polissia region, provided by partners from the Global Environment Facility and UNDP. This equipment will enhance biodiversity protection and fire prevention, helping workers research rare plant and animal species, monitor ecosystem changes, and respond more quickly to forest and peatland fires.

Monica Rijal, Deputy Resident Representative for Operations at UNDP Ukraine, emphasised the importance of the systematic support being provided by UNDP together with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to Ukraine in the areas of nature conservation, land restoration, and climate change adaptation. She noted that with financial backing from the Global Environment Facility, UNDP continued to support Ukraine’s efforts to preserve biodiversity and to strengthen the institutions responsible for protected natural areas. She also highlighted that it was important for environmental institutions not only to have access to modern technologies, but also to be able to systematically implement innovations in their daily work.

As part of ParkFest, Svitlana Grynchuk, together with Ihor Zubovych, Acting Head of the State Environmental Inspectorate, also presented symbolic gifts to the children of military personnel and equipment for service members of the National Guard’s Omega Special Purpose Centre.

“Thanks to the courage and dedication of their parents, we have the opportunity to live and work here and now. The least we can do is bring a bit of joy to these children and, from an early age, show them the beauty of our native land while fostering a caring attitude toward nature,” Svitlana Grynchuk said in thanks.