CARPATHIANS NATIONAL PARK, UKRAINE Progress Report for July 2024 – December 2024
Project Overview
Located in the headwaters of the Black and White Cheremosh rivers in the Chyvchyn Mountains on the border with Romania, Verkhovyna National Nature Park showcases pristine natural landscapes formed over millions of years. The project aims to develop Verkhovyna as a key tourist and rehabilitation hub within the Carpathian region by enhancing tourism infrastructure, supporting nature conservation efforts, and promoting inclusive tourism practices.
During the reported period, significant progress was made in the development of camping and trail infrastructure, park expansion, and administrative enhancements. Key activities included completing boundary marking and installing perimeter fencing, conducting geological and geodetic surveys for pavilion construction, and developing an architectural plan for the camping pavilion. Additionally, an essential water well was installed along the trail, and design drafts for informational boards were finalized. The land management project for a 15% park expansion has reached its final stage, with documentation for state registration and land demarcation underway.
Challenges such as wartime conditions, limited supplier options, and unstable power supply persist, but the team continues to find effective solutions.
Overall, this period has strengthened the foundation for Verkhovyna National Nature Park as a key rehabilitation and tourism destination, enhancing both visitor experience and conservation efforts.
Achievements
Reconstruction of one obsolescent room and refurbishing it as a Command Center. Computer and big screen.
The French Development Agency (AFD) was introduced to Cheremoskiy NNP. They will have a mission this year and provide some support to Cheremoshskiy NNP.
In both Verkhovyna and Cheremoskiy NNPs, there was no coverage, no signal, and no communication within the borders of both parks. Even though you proposed Starlink a couple of times, including to Dima and Yaroslav, they said that it would not be feasible. Anyways… Finally, a Polish guy called Lukasz (I do not even know his surname) was found. I met him once, and he built a two-way radio communication network, repeaters, vehicle radios, portable radios, and so on. Starting from late September, both of the parks can have decent communication within their borders and also among themselves. However, the guy never sent me an invoice. It has been more than four months. Both Yaroslav and Roman asked me if we paid Lukasz, but I told them that he has not sent anything. So keep in mind that Lukasz, one day, may pop up with an invoice. So, as a conclusion, we have provided the communication network.
Ranger communication capabilities have been enhanced with the provision of essential equipment:
Over 10 portable radio sets for field operations.
Multiple fixed radio stations were installed at key locations.
Supporting communication infrastructure to ensure reliable coverage throughout the protected area.
