16 community initiatives in the Carpathians received up to 5 thousand euros within the framework of the Support to Nature Protected Areas in Ukraine project, financed by the German government, with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine as a beneficiary.

This is the second initiative competition supported by the project. Communities living within or near the eight Carpathian protected areas were invited to participate in the contest. Cooperation between residents and protected areas is crucial in preserving the unique nature of the Carpathians.

From the 72 applications, the competition committee identified 16 initiatives as winners. This time, an important topic was alternative energy sources. In particular, solar panels for shepherds and recreational houses will be purchased as part of the project’s implementation. In addition, communities will restore springs, equip treatment facilities, as well as a site for sorting waste. Tourism development is also among the popular projects. This includes the arrangement of an information center, trails and popularizing hiking.

Contracts have already been signed with the winners of the competition, and the payment of the first tranche for the start of work has begun. The list of winners and the terms of the competition can be found here.