#ULakes Ukrainian-Romanian cooperation for the preservation of blue ecosystems
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 capacity-building study tour and an experience-sharing visit took place, which became a real journey into the world of nature, cities, and solutions for their sustainable future.
During several days, participants-representatives of Ukrainian and Romanian partners - immersed themselves in the multifaceted world of blue-green infrastructure management, visited key natural locations, and learned about practices that could form the basis for the sustainable development of local ecosystems on both sides of the border.
The first day was spent in Chernivtsi, where the team studied green infrastructure maintenance practices and visited the dendrological park of Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University. The tour continued with an introduction to the urban park management system, their ecosystems, and approaches to preserving natural heritage.
On the second day, participants spent time in Ivano-Frankivsk, where they observed how the city manages Shevchenko Park and the central city lake, and discussed challenges and opportunities for the sustainable development of recreational areas. During the BLUE BRIDGES interdisciplinary workshop, Ukrainian and Romanian experts also worked together to develop ideas for preserving blue ecosystems in cities.
A separate day was devoted to exploring the nature of the Carpathian region: German Lake in Ivano-Frankivsk, the ornithological observation tower near Lake Burshtyn, Kasova Hora - each location uncovered new aspects of preserving unique landscapes and species diversity. Participants observed the birdlife, studied the combination of aquatic and steppe ecosystems, and formulated recommendations for future management plans.
The fourth day was devoted to combining nature and cultural heritage in the Vyhodska community. The educational space on the Shyrkovets marsh and the Vyhoda Narrow Gauge Railway Heritage Centre demonstrated how environmental education can be integrated into the region's tourist and cultural routes.
The final stage of the trip was Uzhhorod, where the team learned about the work of the NGO Ecosphere, as well as the management of large city parks - Bozdosh Park and Park under the Castle. Here, they discussed approaches to stormwater management, plans for restoring blue ecosystems, and experiences in preserving urban water bodies.
This study visit was an important platform for forming a shared vision of how Ukrainian and Romanian municipalities can work together to protect their blue ecosystems, exchange knowledge, implement modern approaches, and build sustainable cities of the future.
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.
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