#U_Lakes Ivano-Frankivsk in international dialogue on blue-green infrastructure development

As part of the UrbanLakes - Cross-border synergy for blue ecosystem preservation (U_Lakes) project, funded by the European Union through the Interreg Next VI-A Romania-Ukraine 2021–2027 programme,  a Biodiversity Forum was held on 11–12 December 2025 in Botosani (Romania), bringing together local authorities, experts and partners to discuss biodiversity conservation, blue-green infrastructure development and green space management.

Cosmin Andrei, Mayor of Botosani, and Cezar Grozavu, Director of the Regional Office for Cross-Border Cooperation, delivered welcoming speeches, emphasising the importance of strategic partnerships between cities and a conscious approach to environmental policy.

Ivano-Frankivsk presented its achievements within the project. Lidiia Cherevko, Head of Project Implementation Office of the Department of Investment Policy, Projects, International Relations, Tourism and City Promotion, spoke about the implementation of U_Lakes in the city, focusing on the achievements, challenges and prospects of joint work on the preservation of German Lake.

Ruslana Vasyliuk, Director of the Municipal Enterprise “Centre for City Development and Recreation,”, spoke about the city's approaches to the maintenance of recreational areas, the strengthening of natural ecosystems, and tools that help to create a comfortable and environmentally sustainable urban environment.

A key part of the forum was the presentation of the Joint Action Plan concept, which defines the future directions of cross-border cooperation on blue-green infrastructure. A preliminary model of the document was presented by project expert Nadiia Riznychuk, who outlined strategic steps for monitoring biodiversity, integrating environmental solutions, and forming sustainable water management models.

The forum became an important platform for deepening cooperation between cities, exchanging professional approaches and forming a common vision for the development of environmental policy.

This publication has been produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the Executive Committee of the Ivano-Frankivsk City Council and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Union or the management structures of the Interreg VI-A NEXT 2021-2027 Romania-Ukraine Program