maxzalevski/regenerative_lands

Regenerative lands project in ecovillages

regenerative_lands

Report on GG20 Fundraising Round for the "Rewilding for Ecovillages in Ukraine" Project

What ecosystem restoration looks like. Regenerative lands ecovillages

The Green Lagoon Landscape Reserve Project in Granidub and Posolon Ecovillages Story

Project "Bhumy" in Ukraine: A Cow-Centered Sustainable Development Model Story

Holistic Planned Grazing Management for Biodiversity Restoration: Experience from the Podkova Research Farm at the Hlyboki Balyky Ecostation Story

Bee Houses for Solitary Osmia Bees in the Rosy Ecovillage Story

Here are some archival photos from 20 years ago from the ecovillage of Kedry Polissia in Ukraine. How the process of regeneration of degraded land, abandoned collective farm fields takes place. When ecovillagers come there.

regenerative_lands's Issues

Bee Houses for Solitary Osmia Bees in the Rosy Ecovillage

Ladomir Soroka is actively promoting and spreading beneficial insect farms for pollinating gardens and restoring ecosystems in the Rosi eco-settlement. One of his most popular projects is the bee houses for Osmia bees (Osmia Cornuta). Ladomir and his family are dedicated to breeding these early bees, helping them spread in settlements and increasing biodiversity in depleted soils.

Features of Osmia Bee Houses

The Osmia bee houses have become an essential element in educational activities focused on regeneration and biodiversity enhancement. Each family receiving a bee house gets an instruction guide that explains the basics of caring for these insects.

Handling Guide for Osmia Bees

Welcome Message:
Welcome to your new little friends! These tips are best suited for beginners who want to keep Osmia bees and create good conditions for them. For professional breeding, there are slightly different requirements, but this information will be enough for you. These little helpers have always lived in large numbers near humans, in reed roofs and cozy reed bundles.

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Bee House:

   • Remove the tape from the box with cocoons before hanging the set.
   • Hang the bee house under the eaves on the south side of a building to protect it from rain and birds. It can also be hung in a sunny spot.

2. Caring for Osmia Bees:

   • Osmia bees are spring fruit pollinators. About 1.5-2 months after the season starts, they will lay offspring in the tubes, seal them with soil, and "disappear."
   • They make compartments with soil partitions in the reed tubes, where they deposit eggs that develop until spring. By the end of the Osmia flight season (early May), they will fill the tubes with cocoons and seal them with soil.
   • The number of Osmia bees will increase each year if you add new reed tubes and control their natural regulators.

3. Other Beneficial Insects:

   • Nature may also introduce other beneficial insects, such as leafcutter bees, jewel wasps, and various parasitoid wasps. The more diverse the insect population, the better for your environment.

4. Overwintering:

   • Osmia bees overwinter outside in a dry, sheltered place. They are not afraid of frost but can be stored in a cold room if there is a risk of soaking or bird attacks.

5. Safety:

   • Osmia bees are friendly and safe for children, adults, pets, and honeybees. They do not sting and coexist peacefully with other bees.

6. Breeding:

   • To breed more Osmia bees, cut reed tubes with a diameter up to 12 mm and a length of 17-25 cm, and hang them under a canopy.

7. Additional Information:

   • Learn more about Osmia bees and the wonderful world of beneficial insects on the Internet. Osmia bees are an integral part of the ecosystem, contributing to its harmony and biodiversity.
     

Ladomir Soroka believes that Osmia bees and other beneficial insects play a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem. Their gentle behavior and safety make them excellent helpers in the garden, enhancing productivity. Osmia bee houses are not only a useful tool for gardeners but also a wonderful way to teach children and adults to appreciate nature and its inhabitants.

Thanks to projects like the Osmia bee houses, the Rosi eco-settlement makes a significant contribution to the restoration and preservation of ecosystems. Ladomir Soroka and his family are a shining example of how small steps can have a big impact on our planet.

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News Update: A New Lake for Tepla Gora! 🌿🌊

We are thrilled to announce that after three years of hard work and dedication, Tepla Gora is finally digging its long-awaited lake! This project is a significant milestone for us and holds great recreational value in terms of biodiversity and rewilding.

The land here is quite poor, and access to water has been limited. However, the location is perfect—a beautiful lowland area with several springs. We are optimistic that water will flourish here, allowing the local flora and fauna to thrive.

This project has been made possible, in part, thanks to the generous donations from the Gitcoin Grant Round #GG20 🎉.

We have also received support from the Ma Earth crypto grant "Regenerative Lands Projects" by @maearthmedia. While the grant is not large, it represents a revolutionary step forward for us.

I look forward to visiting the site soon and witnessing these exciting changes firsthand.

Stay tuned for more updates!

#RegenerativeLands #Biodiversity #Rewilding #CryptoGrants #TeplyMountain #EnvironmentalSustainability

The Green Lagoon Landscape Reserve Project in Granidub and Posolon Ecovillages

The Green Lagoon Landscape Reserve spans over 100 hectares along the Tnya and Tenka rivers, including a 5-hectare arboretum. While the Brokivska Village Council officially manages the reserve, Anatoliy Ivanovich Nagorny and the residents of three ecovillages —Space of Love, Ecopolis Granidub, and Posolon—undertake most of the work.

Goals and Objectives

• Nature Conservation: Preserve and restore forests, wetlands, and water resources.
• Reclamation: Eliminate unauthorized dumpsites and convert them into parks.
• Eco-Education: Conduct eco-lessons, conferences, round tables, public hearings, and other activities to raise environmental awareness.
• Planting: Plant medicinal, rare, and perennial plants, primarily trees.
• Biodiversity Conservation: Protect local flora and fauna, including species listed in the Red Book.
  

The Green Lagoon project aims to preserve and restore the unique natural ecosystems of Polissya. Nature conservation is a top priority, focusing on forests, wetlands, and water resources. Reclamation efforts include converting unauthorized dumpsites into parks, reducing human impact on the environment. Educational activities, such as eco-lessons and public hearings, aim to raise environmental awareness among residents. Special attention is given to planting medicinal, rare, and perennial plants, especially trees, to preserve the region's biodiversity.

Key Activities

1. Tree Planting: Residents of the three settlements regularly plant and care for trees.
2. Combating Unauthorized Water Withdrawal: Ecopolis Granidub actively addresses issues of illegal water extraction and wetland drainage, working with local and regional authorities.
3. Reclamation and Restoration: Elimination of dumpsites and their conversion into parks, such as Maksymivka Park, created on the site of a former landfill.
4. Scientific Research: Collaboration with scientists from Polissya National University, Zhytomyr State University named after Ivan Franko, and the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences for scientific research and ecosystem monitoring.

The project's key activities include regular tree planting by residents, helping to restore forests and reduce soil erosion. Ecopolis Granidub works to combat unauthorized water withdrawal and wetland drainage by collaborating with local and regional authorities. Reclamation efforts transform dumpsites into parks, like Maksymivka Park. Scientific collaboration with universities and research institutions supports ecosystem monitoring and the implementation of scientifically grounded conservation measures.

Partnerships and Collaboration

The Green Lagoon project exemplifies close cooperation between settlements, scientific institutions, governmental bodies, and NGOs. Key partners include:

• Brokivska Village Council: The local self-government body officially managing the reserve.
• Polissya National University: Conducts scientific research and monitoring.
• Zhytomyr State University named after Ivan Franko: Conducts eco-educational activities.
• Ukrainian Academy of Sciences: Provides scientific recommendations for biodiversity conservation.
• Local Communities: Residents of the three settlements actively participate in all activities aimed at preserving and restoring nature.

The Green Lagoon project brings together various partners to achieve a common goal—preserving and restoring the natural resources of Polissya. The Brokivska Village Council provides administrative support, while Polissya National University and Zhytomyr State University conduct scientific research and eco-educational activities. The Ukrainian Academy of Sciences offers scientific recommendations for biodiversity conservation. Active participation by local communities ensures the project's successful implementation.

Challenges and Solutions

1. Pollution and Unauthorized Logging: Active information campaigns and reclamation of polluted areas.
2. Hydrological Balance Change: Collaboration with scientists and authorities to develop and implement measures to restore the natural water balance.
3. Wetland Conservation: Regular monitoring of wetlands and the implementation of measures for their preservation and restoration.

The project faces challenges such as pollution and unauthorized logging. To address these issues, information campaigns and reclamation of polluted areas are conducted. Changes in the hydrological balance of rivers and wetlands require close cooperation with scientists and authorities to develop effective restoration measures. Regular monitoring and conservation efforts for wetlands help preserve these unique ecosystems.

Conclusion

The Green Lagoon project is a successful example of collaboration among local communities, scientific institutions, and governmental bodies in the field of natural resource conservation and restoration. Joint efforts help preserve the unique ecosystems of Polissya and ensure a sustainable future for the next generations.

The Green Lagoon project demonstrates how joint efforts by communities, scientific institutions, and governmental bodies can effectively address natural resource conservation and restoration. Through the active involvement of local residents, scientists, and authorities, unique ecosystems of Polissya are preserved, ensuring a sustainable future for upcoming generations. This project is a significant step towards achieving environmental sustainability.

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The project ‘Network of Lakes in Charivne ecovillage’: rewilding and ecosystem regeneration

As part of Ma Earth's Regenerative Land Project ##GG20 @gitcoin, the first information stand was implemented, telling about the Network of Lakes project and the importance of supporting biodiversity in the community.

The story of the lake restoration in the Charivne ecovillage began in 2015, when one of the streets across the ravine was restored to connect the main part of Chmyrivka village, on the basis of which the settlement was formed. A bulldozer was used to clear and pave the road across the ravine. The water in the ravine has always been stagnant, and locals said that 50 years ago there was a cascade of lakes stretching for 5 km through the village.

Given the pollution of the Tyasmin River, 6 km away, and the lack of other suitable water bodies nearby, the residents decided to try to restore at least one lake. In 2016, they hired a marsh excavator to clean and deepen the springs and raised the level of the dam. In 2018, the lake area was expanded, the dam was raised and widened, a new lake was created on the other side of the dam, and the area around the lake was levelled. In the same year, the lake was stocked with silver carp, carp, white cupids, crucian carp and loaches.

The following year, in 2019, the water level in the wells located near the lake increased by more than 2.5 metres. The flora and fauna around the lake began to grow richer. Storks, grey and white herons, cormorants, swans, mallards, muskrats, beavers and other species have appeared or returned. The lake has become a centre for cultural and entertainment events for children and adults: meetings, celebrations, recreation, games, dances, discos on the ice in winter and ice skating.

There is a dream to restore the entire cascade of lakes that once existed in the village to restore and preserve the biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems. This will include removing invasive plant species, cleaning the water from pollution, restoring natural water flows and creating a natural environment for local fish and other aquatic organisms. Such measures will contribute to rewilding, i.e. the restoration of wildlife, by creating or restoring natural ecosystems as close to their original state as possible. This includes restoring not only the lake itself, but also the surrounding areas, including wetlands that are important for biodiversity.
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In June 2021 it was decided to try to raise funds on the Pomistya Club platform (https://pomistya.club/) to purchase a marsh excavator for further use in restoring water resources on request. Due to the full-scale invasion in 2022, it was not possible to raise the required amount. However, the funds raised were used for the needs of other ecovillages. The dream of restoring the network of lakes remains, and the goal is to formalise it into the project ‘Network of Lakes in the Charivne Ecovillage’
@genukraine
#ecovillage #4

Project "Bhumy" in Ukraine: A Cow-Centered Sustainable Development Model

The "Bhumy" project, located in the frontline settlement of Bhumy in Mykolaiv Oblast, combines two key processes: land regeneration and sustainable community development through the grazing of rescued cows. Founded in 2007, the project's initial goals were to rescue cows and restore the land, which are deeply interconnected. Nearby is the Oleshky Sands, which expands by 10 km annually, making our project particularly crucial for restoring the region's ecosystem.

The Principle of Ahimsa

The principle of "Ahimsa" (Sanskrit for "nonviolence") is the cornerstone of the "Bhumy" project's philosophy. This ethical principle dictates that cows, bulls, and their calves should never be killed and can live their full lives.

At "Bhumy," we utilize technologies described in Sanskrit texts, focusing on the idea that cows, bulls, and calves live as long as they can. This approach transforms the emotional state of love into action. By implementing this principle, subconscious conflicts associated with love and violence disappear, making the world appear more orderly and understandable. Over the past ten years, these technologies have helped solve many social problems in our community, sometimes in ways that seem almost mystical.

Land Regeneration

The 300 hectares of land under our protection are divided into 150 hectares of pasture and 150 hectares of orchards and farmland. Cow manure is used as a valuable organic fertilizer, significantly improving soil fertility.

At "Bhumy," we distribute manure mixed with straw across various plots, which transforms into humus over 1.5-2 years. This process greatly enhances the biological, physical, and chemical properties of the soil, creating a fertile top layer that supports healthy plant growth. Large hoofed animals help aerate the soil, improving its structure and enriching it with microbiota. On restored land, we plant multi-tiered vegetation, promoting stable ecosystem development. This approach allows us to quickly and effectively restore large areas of land, providing essential nutrients and improving soil quality.

Sustainable Community Development Model

The "Bhumy" project employs a cow-centered sustainable development model based on the principles of Ahimsa:

• Lifecycle of Cows: Cows, bulls, and calves live their full lives and are not sold for slaughter or relocated to other farms.
• Distribution of Dairy Products: Dairy cows are distributed among neighboring households, while newborn calves remain under "Bhumy's" care.
• Animal Health Maintenance: Cows receive the necessary care, ensuring their health and longevity.

All cows were rescued thanks to donations from concerned individuals, effectively giving them a second life. These animals, once destined for slaughter, now play a vital role in soil restoration and ecosystem support. We have created infrastructure that ensures the comfortable life of cows, bulls, and calves. They are divided into six groups: young calves, mature calves, bulls, young cows, dairy cows, and elderly cows, allowing for tailored care for each group based on their needs and characteristics.

Infrastructure

The infrastructure of the "Bhumy" project is designed with the principle of Ahimsa in mind, ensuring comfortable living conditions for cows.

Our settlement "Bhumy" is built on principles that guarantee cows the opportunity to live full lives. Calves are carefully milked for the first six months, laying the foundation for their health. In line with Ahimsa, we do not kill or sell sick cows, making them healthier than those on other farms. This creates a harmonious environment for both animals and people.

Non-Violent Production

The "Bhumy" project practices non-violence not only towards cows but also towards people and other animals.

Our apiaries collect only surplus honey, leaving bees enough for the winter. This ensures the natural life of bees without disturbing them. We apply non-violent methods to other aspects of our production, creating a harmonious environment for all living beings in the community.

Ghee Production

Ghee, a traditional Indian dairy product, is an important part of our project. We use ancient recipes that allow ghee to be stored for years, enhancing its medicinal properties.

Ghee produced using these recipes retains metaphysical properties that positively impact health. We conduct experiments on ghee production based on sacred Indian texts, allowing us to find the best recipes for handmade ghee. This product, made with love and care, possesses not only physical but also metaphysical properties, making it particularly valuable for health.

Conclusion

The "Bhumy" project combines land regeneration and sustainable community development through the grazing of rescued cows. The principle of Ahimsa, at the core of our philosophy, promotes the harmonious development of both the land and the community, creating an ecologically sustainable model that can serve as an example for other regions. Our approach allows us to quickly and effectively restore large areas of land, providing essential nutrients and creating comfortable living conditions for cows. Thanks to the support of caring individuals, we have been able to rescue these animals from slaughter and give them a second life, making our project even more significant and successful.

This project also resonates deeply with the "Holistic Planned Grazing Management for Biodiversity Restoration" project at the research farm "Pidkova" of the "Hlyboki Baliki" ecostation in Kyiv Oblast. Both projects demonstrate how grazing large hoofed animals can significantly restore ecosystems and improve the fertility of degraded soils.

Regenerative Land Lagulski ecovillage Love Space: Infostand

Today we have set up a stand at the entrance to the arboretum, ecovillage Love Space 🇺🇦. We will install another stand in two days. One side is about the reserve. The second one will be about the ecological trail, when the work on it is finished.
Thanks @maearthmedia @gitcoin

Opening first Info stand in Charivne

We installed the first info stand in ecovillage Charivne
thanks to your
@gitcoin
donation to keep us going as we develop our 6 regenerative land projects.

Thanks again to
@maearthmedia
and their generous anonymous donor.

We are preparing a detailed information on this project


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The first crypto grant from Ma Earth for the GEN Ukraine ecovillage network

Friends, we have a historic moment! The New Zealand-based Ma Earth Foundation and BeomiTrust, as part of the Gitcoin #GG20 project, have supported us in obtaining the first crypto grant of about $4,189 for regenerative practices in land management in ecovillages.

This is our first such experience, in which we are learning to work in the field of regenerative finance, focused on increasing the value of both the ecosystem and the community.

These funds will be allocated for the development and informational arrangement of spaces in 6 locations:

1. Kolo Lisu, Slobozhanshchyna
2. Charivne, Kholodnyi Yar
3. Space of Love, Polissya
4. Green Hills, Kyiv region
5. Sunny house, Kuyalnyk
6. Svitankove, Sumy region

In addition to working with regenerative projects, we have started working with education in crypto projects, which now involves more than 50 participants from eco-settlements.

We hope that working in this direction will help us develop our network towards regenerative settlements.
#maearthmedia #gitcoin

Installing educational stands in Zeleni Kruchi

🌿 Huge thanks to @maearthmedia for supporting us in
in the eco-villages of Charivne, Zeleni Kruchi, and Prostor Lyubovi! 🙏 We're also preparing to set up stands in Svitanikove, Kolo Lisu, and Kuyalnik.

Exciting news: we've paved a road to the landscape reserve and dendropark in Prostor Lyubovi and conducted our first excursion with students and environmentalists from Polissya University. 🌱✨

#EcoVillages #RegenerativeLands #GG20 #Gitcoin #BeomeTrust #UkraineEcoProjects

Road to the Arboretum at Space of Love Ecovillage, Polissya Region

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all participants of the "Road to the Arboretum" project.

The road is now in place. Although it may not be as convenient as we had hoped, as it still needs some gravel, it is functional. While it’s not yet suitable for cycling, cars can navigate it in any weather. We have already hosted a conference at the arboretum attended by regional and local authorities, a bandurist, a journalist, and scientists. The first guided tour through the nature reserve and arboretum has taken place.

A total of 23,700 UAH was spent on the road. Of this, 13,756 UAH was raised through the "Pomistia Club." The remainder was contributed by settlers, GEN Ukraine, local villagers, and arboretum guests. These funds were used to lay 80 tons of gravel on the road, with an additional 20 tons provided by the village council.

Nearly all project goals (except for the long-term ones) have been achieved.
Additionally, this grassroots fundraising effort significantly improved the road to the "Space of Love" ecovillage. We spent 20,300 UAH to lay 56 tons of gravel. While the road is not perfect, it is much better.

Thank you once again to everyone involved for making this project a reality.

Anatoliy Nagornyi, ecovillage Sapce of Love
#ecovillage

Holistic Planned Grazing Management for Biodiversity Restoration: Experience from the Podkova Research Farm at the Hlyboki Balyky Ecostation

Holistic Planned Grazing Management for Biodiversity Restoration: Experience from the Podkova Research Farm at the Hlyboki Balyky Ecostation

Bohdan Popov

Personal Motivation

My interest in the impact of grazing animals on natural ecosystems began over 20 years ago in Zakarpattia. Observing traditional shepherding, I realized that grazing could restore biodiversity. This interest grew into a professional endeavor when I joined the Hlyboki Balyky ecological research station near Kyiv four years ago. Inspired by Allan Savory's Holistic Planned Grazing system, I am now working to implement these methods in Ukraine to improve ecosystems and people's lives.

Project Objective

The project's goal is to create a sustainable farming model aimed at restoring biodiversity in degraded Forest-Steppe ecosystems through holistic planned grazing management. Key outcomes include:

• Increasing soil carbon content.
• Reducing invasive species.
• Enhancing the quality of life for farm workers.
• Creating a tourism product based on livestock farming.
• Combining eco-services with meat-dairy production.
• Establishing an educational process.

Progress, History, and Experience

Location and Description

The Podkova project is situated on a 5-hectare site in the Rzhyshchiv community of Kyiv region, donated by patrons Olha and Marian Andrusenko. The area features a highly dissected terrain with low biodiversity due to past intensive farming and overgrazing.

Principles of Holistic Planned Grazing Management

The approach involves ensuring animals do not stay too long in one place or return too soon, promoting effective water and nutrient cycles while preventing overgrazing. Key practices include:

• Non-selective grazing: Animals evenly graze all plant types, including invasive species.
• High herd density: Short grazing periods with long recovery times for the land.
• Electric fencing: Combines stationary and mobile fences to manage grazing areas.

Key Work Stages

1. Biodiversity Monitoring: Established in 2020 with geobotanist-led monitoring plots.
2. Grazing Implementation: Introduced a herd of 20 goats in 2021, with grazing resumed in spring 2023.
3. Electric Fencing Infrastructure: Set up a combination of stationary and mobile electric fences for effective grazing management.
4. Scientific Collaboration: Partnered with experts like Andriy Masliuk to improve breeding and grazing practices.

Current Results and Upcoming Tasks

• Positive Outcomes: Reduction in invasive species and development of an effective electric fencing system.
• Future Plans: Continued biodiversity monitoring, further refinement of grazing management, and expansion of educational and tourism initiatives.

Prospects and Dissemination

The project aims to generalize and analyze the model for broader application in Ukraine. This involves integrating animals into existing farms or using them to manage previously uncontrolled lands. Future plans include:

• Improving Efficiency: Optimizing grazing pressure and reducing labor and energy costs.
• Educational Outreach: Conducting training and promoting tourism products to disseminate knowledge.

Appendices, Publications, Contacts, Social Media

1. "Biodiversity of the Rzhyshchiv Territorial Community," Volumes 1 and 2.
2. Allan Savory, Jody Butterfield, "Holistic Management, Third Edition."
3. Facebook: Hlyboki Balyky Ecological Research Station.
4. XII International Scientific Conference "Biodiversity and the Role of Animals in Ecosystems" abstracts, Dnipro, Ukraine, November 2023.

Holistic Planned Grazing Management for Biodiversity Restoration: Experience from the Podkova Research Farm at the Hlyboki Balyky Ecostation

Opening of the New Nature Reserve Stand and Welcoming First Participants from the Youth Educational Partnership Project with Polissia University

🌿 Opening of the New Nature Reserve Stand and Welcoming First Participants from the Youth Educational Partnership Project with Polissia University at the "Space of Love" Eco-village, Lagulskyi Reserve! 🌿

We are delighted to announce the opening of the new stand at the Lagulskyi Nature Reserve in the "Space of Love" eco-settlement! The first participants from the Youth Educational Partnership Project with Polissia University have already had the opportunity to acquaint themselves with the new informational stands before embarking on a long trail. They experienced an exciting five-hour journey through the dendrological park and the reserve, filled out questionnaires, and evaluated the real regeneration of the area. The most memorable impressions for them were the tranquility and balance of the landscapes, the unique energy of various terrains, including "power spots."

The participants also took part in the "Green Lagoon. Summer 2024" photo contest, capturing the most beautiful moments of their journey. The dendrological park covers 4 hectares, while the settlement spans 32 hectares.

The Lagulskyi Reserve was established in October 2020 with the aim of creating a self-sustaining, self-renewing ecological system. Since its inception, this has been the main project of the eco-village. Now, significant steps are being taken to inform and establish eco-routes.

The central element of our ecosystem is the High Conservation Value Forest, home to a vast biodiversity of rare and endangered plant species. We actively collaborate with scientists, develop the dendrological park, and implement innovative forest planting methods.

This is the second stand within the framework of the Regenerative Land Project @maearth @gitcoin
#GG20. We are grateful to GEN Ukraine and Maksym Zalevskyi for their support and the opportunity to realize this project.

We invite everyone to join our journeys and experience the harmony with nature at the "Space of Love"! 🌳🌸

#Ecovillage #SpaceOfLove #LagulskyiReserve #Regeneration #HarmonyWithNature #GENUkraine

Report on GG20 Fundraising Round for the "Rewilding for Ecovillages in Ukraine" Project

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

1. A road to the Lagulsky Landscape Reserve and Arboretum has been built.
2. The first tour for students and conservationists from Polissia University has taken place.
3. 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

1. New spaces like Busha, Omelyanivka, and Tepla Hora have joined our initiative.
2. 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:

1. Creating a bioplato.
2. 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.