Conservation of highly valuable primeval and old-growth forests in selected national parks in the Ukrainian Carpathians

The Ukrainian Carpathians are strongholds for primeval and old-growth forests in Europe, but face pressure from large scale logging. Protected areas (PAs) in these forests now also face an acute existential threat as government funding has all but ceased as a result of the economic pressures stemming from the Russian invasion. To ensure effective protection, the project provides a lifeline, temporarily ensuring the essential operational needs of the PAs are met on a monthly basis. In the longer term, protected areas will be provided with modern equipment, training and technical assistance such as the development of modern biodiversity monitoring systems and management plans. Communities will benefit from community development plans and financing, direct support for nature-friendly small businesses and a large-scale environmental information campaign. Nature conservation of primeval forests will also contribute to dealing with emotional consequences of war for Ukrainians.