#U_Lakes The first meeting with stakeholders of the U_Lakes was held in Ivano-Frankivsk!

On October 4, the first meeting with stakeholders of the UrbanLakes - Cross-border synergy for blue ecosystem preservation (U_Lakes) project, funded by the European Union under the Interreg Next VI-A Romania-Ukraine program, was held in Shevchenko Park. The project includes a series of meetings with stakeholders aimed at forming a common vision for the development of urban water bodies as part of the natural heritage, recreational spaces, and educational environment for the community.

The event brought together experts, scientists, government officials, and active residents who joined the dialogue and joint search for solutions to preserve waterfowl and water-related birds in the urban environment. 

During the meeting, experts from Ivano-Frankivsk, Lviv, and Cherkasy regions shared valuable experience in the field of biodiversity preservation in water bodies, development of environmental education, and community involvement in nature conservation initiatives. Volodymyr Butsko, a scientist and co-author of the Red Book of Prykarpattia, and Liudmyla Bakhtiarova, a representative of the Black Sea Biosphere Reserve, shared their knowledge and achievements, presenting successful examples of environmental education and awareness programs. They also presented interesting environmental games for children and adults.

Project expert, ecologist, and biologist Nataliia Priiatkina conducted an educational tour of the park, during which participants observed birds, learned to identify species, and became familiar with programs that help develop this hobby.

In addition, during the meeting, experts discussed what information should be presented on the stands planned to be installed near German Lake and what should be taken into account in the joint Action Plan for the preservation of the city's green and blue infrastructure.

The meeting was the first important step towards establishing an open dialogue between the community, experts, educators, and authorities for the common goal of preserving water bodies and forming a culture of caring for nature.

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.