On June 9, 2025, ICO “Environment-People-Law“ started the school for volunteers entitiled “Preservation of relict and endangered species of plants and animals of Svydovets” and field studies for students of Kherson State University and Uzhhorod National University. This comprehensive event is held in the unique Svydovets mountain range based in the village of Dragobrat. In total, 32 participants were engaged, including 5 volunteers and 20 students.
The training of students and volunteers is provided by a stellar cast of scientists and conservationists:
- Corresponding Member of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Doctor of Biology, Professor Oleksandr Khodosovtsev (Kherson State University);
- Doctor of Biology, Prof. Ivan Moisienko (Kherson State University);
- PhD in Geography, Kateryna Polyanska (International Charitable Organization “Environment-People-Law“).
- PhD in Biology, Associate Professor Natalia Zahorodniuk (Kherson State University);
- PhD in Biology, Associate Professor Roman Kish (Uzhhorod National University).
On the first day of the study trip, the participants climbed to Lake Ivor and Mount Blyznytsia, got acquainted with the unique geological formations of this part of Svydovets, the relief forms of glacial karsts, the diversity of biotopes and plants. Such rare ecosystems as upland bogs, springs and source biotopes, subalpine meadows, rocks and scree, glacial karst fields and lakes, etc. were investigated. In particular, such rarities of flora as Gentiana laciniata, Crocus heuffelianus, May crocus, May palm (Dactylorhiza majalis), stemless gentian (Gentiana acaulis), Lycopodium selago, Huperzia selago, Alpine green or Alpine diphasiastrum (Diphasiastrum alpinum), common sedge (Pinguicula vulgaris), Rhodiola rosea (Rhodiola rosea), Haller’s primrose (Primula halleri), Pulsatilla alba, Carex pauciflora, Swertia perennis, etc. were discovered.
As part of the school, students and volunteers will not only master the tasks provided for by the volunteer program and internship programs, but will also participate in the collection and publication of data on the environmental value of the Svydovets mountain range with the aim of its preservation.
Students and teachers of Kherson State University and Uzhhorod National University, as well as volunteers, express their deep gratitude to ICO “Environment-People-Law” for the opportunity to join practical environmental protection activities.
Svydovets, as always, impressed everyone with its beauty and richness. We must preserve this unique untouched corner of Ukraine, which is under threat of being transformed into a mega-resort.
You can learn more about the uniqueness of Svydovets’ nature and the threats to its existence on EPL’s website and in social media:
- Svydovets mountain range and legislative provisions on the protection of the Tysa River and its tributaries (https://bit.ly/4kxr1rw),
- Svydovets mountain range and legislative provisions on the protection of virgin forests (https://bit.ly/4e0lcR8),
- Svydovets moutnain range and legislative provisions of the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (https://bit.ly/3Ti6NGi),
- Svydovets mountain range and legislative provisions of the Framework Convention on the Protection and Sustainable Development of the Carpathians (https://bit.ly/3ZXVNS6),
- Svydovets mountain range and legislative provisions on responsibility for the destruction of plants and animals listed in the Red Book of Ukraine (https://bit.ly/4dVNnR1).
