A couple of days ago the first visit of architect Jan Hülsemann to four of the eight target protected areas of the project “Support to Nature Protected Areas in Ukraine” was completed. Jan Hülsemann has worked in the Carpathians for over 10 years, has experience in working for protected areas and recently completed the building of some tourism hides in the Romanian Carpathians. His main expertise though is the use of ecological and energy efficient building material and technologies.

It is the aim of the Project to set new standards in this respect. After the discussion of needs and plans with the park personnel, first measurements were taken and sketches were drawn to prepare the proposals for renovation or new buildings. The project will closely work with a Ukrainian architect to prepare the necessary official design projects. All this is needed to prepare the tenders which are required to implement this work.

Four parks have been visited by Jan Hülsemann and members of the project implementation team: Carpathian Biosphere Reserve, Gorgany Nature Reserve, Synevyr National Nature Park and also Yavorivskiy National Nature Park. It is the aim of the Project to renovate buildings and houses for rangers, scientists and administrative personnel of all parks in which the project works. High ecological standards shall be used and the renovations shall be cost-effective and lead to lower energy/maintenance costs for the park administrations but also for better working conditions for the personnel.