Ukraine’s nature values include its vast, ancient forests, such as the untouched Beech Primeval Forests in the Carpathian mountains, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the immense wetlands of Polissia. These areas provide vital ecosystem services like climate regulation and air purification.

The country also boasts the largest remnants of undisturbed, virgin steppe and grassland ecosystems in Europe, alongside diverse wetlands, and unique geological formations like the Podilski Tovtry ridge. These unique and highly threatened ecosystems are not just a national treasure; they are a critical ecological asset for the entire European continent, housing rare biodiversity that has vanished elsewhere.

Despite operating during wartime, the Ukrainian Nature Conservation Group demonstrated its role as a advocate for Ukraine’s natural heritage. Our experts achieved tangible results by consistently working to expand protected areas, legally challenging destructive projects, and preserving critical scientific data. Key accomplishments include initiating the established of 10 new Protected Areas in 2024, successfully blocking or limiting dozens of harmful developments through the Environmental Impact Assessment procedure, and protecting thousands of hectares from illegal mining by halting dangerous subsoil use tenders.

Furthermore, UNCG conducts research and documentation of the state of nature and sites affected by the aggression, creating a crucial evidence base for future accountability and recovery. UNCG also provides essential direct support to nature reserves and their employees who are currently in occupied territories or zones of active hostilities, helping to maintain their basic functionality and assisting staff facing extreme hardship.

UNCG 2024 Annual Report Contact Us