NGO ForestCom Donates Land to Verkhovyna National Nature Park

In a historic first for the Carpathian region, a private land parcel has been transferred to Ukraine's Nature Reserve Fund. The initiative was spearheaded by the U.S.-based environmental organization Global Conservation, led by its Executive Director, Jeff Morgan.

Today, October 23, 2025, the NGO "Forest Initiatives and Communities" (ForestCom) and Verkhovyna National Nature Park signed a donation agreement, formalizing the transfer of a 0.62-hectare plot of land located in a remote mountain area to the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine. This landmark philanthropic act aims to advance the development of inclusive eco-educational initiatives in the Verkhovyna district.

"Today's donation marks a pivotal moment, not just for conservation in the Carpathians, but for the people of Ukraine," said Dmytro Karabchuk, Executive Director of ForestCom. "By integrating this land into the Verkhovynskyi National Nature Park, we are laying the physical and symbolic foundation for the 'Perkalabska Brama' hub. Our vision is to create a sanctuary where nature becomes an active partner in healing for those affected by the trauma of war. This milestone, achieved through our powerful partnership with Global Conservation, VNNP and Biloberizska Community Council, is a pledge to make that vision a reality, and we invite everyone to join us in building this vital space for recovery."

This donation is part of a broader, three-year collaboration between ForestCom and Verkhovyna National Nature Park. Their joint project, "Development of Verkhovyna National Nature Park as an Attractive Rehabilitation and Tourist Hub," supported by Global Conservation, addresses the park's pressing challenges, including underfunding, underdeveloped infrastructure, and insufficient public outreach. A key focus of the project is to create accessible infrastructure for the recovery of individuals affected by military conflict and other trauma at the future "Perkalaba Gate" rehabilitation and tourist hub.

Over the project's lifetime, the team has already achieved several significant milestones:

• Developed architectural plans for modern visitor centers in the villages of Verkhnii Yaseniv and Perkalaba.

• Established a campsite area, installing an external power supply for future buildings, along with fencing, a gazebo, and restroom facilities.

• Provided essential equipment to park rangers for effective patrolling.

• Created unique 3D video tours showcasing the natural wonders of the Verkhovyna region, now used at the visitor center in Iltsi village.

• Developed detailed maps of valuable conservation and tourist areas in the Carpathians, from which new conservation areas may be developed.

• Established three new tourist trails leading to Shibene village and Cheremosh National Nature Park. Work has begun on a route to the "Sirkovodneve" mineral spring via the historic "Prince Rudolf Sluice Gate," already featuring five new benches and five informational stands about local flora and fauna.

Future plans include fundraising for the construction of a camping pavilion and visitor center on the newly acquired territory. (A presentation with project details and contribution opportunities is available here).

"Our team at “Forest Initiatives and Communities” remains dedicated to this mission," said a ForestCom Project Manager, Artem Khomenko. "We invite everyone to help us create the 'Perkalaba Gate' hub - a modern visitor center and campground focused on helping war-affected people heal. Let's make nature accessible to all!"

For more information on the project, visit: https://forestcom.org.ua/project/Development-of-Verkhovyna-National-Nature-Park