“ForestCom with IDPs: Forest for IDPs”

The project aims to facilitate the integration of IDPs and strengthen social cohesion within the Lviv community. It focuses on fostering dialogue between IDPs and local residents, building connections with the local community through collaborative work, and implementing environmental education initiatives. This includes addressing the issue of city greening in Lviv, particularly within the Regional Landscape Park “Znesinnia”.

Funding will be utilized to unite IDPs and community members for grassroots projects aimed at enhancing social cohesion and IDPs integration.

Project Objectives:

1. Collaboratively learn and acquire new skills.

2. Facilitate dialogue between IDPs and residents of host communities.

3. Establish mutual contacts between both population groups, strengthening cohesion.

4. Engagement in work and informal activities to enhance emotional connections between IDPs and members of host communities, understanding shared values and dreams.

Target Audience:

• IDPs aged 30 and above residing in the Lviv community;

• Local residents aged 30 and above.

Project Suppliers and Partners:

• Representatives from the Regional Landscape Park “Znesinnia”;

• Representatives from the Ukrainian National Forestry University;

• Media outlets;

• Institutions and organizations providing goods and rental services (Museum of - - Wood of the Ukrainian National Forestry University);

• Other civic and charitable organizations.

The project includes the implementation of the following activities:

Preparatory activities:

1.1. Establish collaboration with the Regional Landscape Park “Znesinnia”

1.2. Site survey and selection for tree planting within the territory of “Znesinnia”.

1.3. Procure planting materials and equipment.

1.4. Create informational stickers for each tree.

Main activities:

2.1. Introductory tour of the "Znesinnia" territory.

2.2. Environmental education event on tree planting.

2.3. Design and development of an electronic display board (map) titled "Community Assistance Board: 100 People - 100 Trees."

2.4. Concluding tour: meeting with all project participants.

Main Results:

As a result of the project, the terms “IDPs” and “local residents” should become mere formalities, and participants will feel like a unified team working towards a common goal. Specifically:

• Learning, working, excursions, and informal communication will facilitate better contacts between IDPs and host community members. Common interests and joint efforts in the restoration of “Znesinnia” will strengthen cohesion, fostering a sense of unity and the ability to address challenges as a unified team;

• Implementing the project will provide an opportunity to acquire new knowledge and skills, directly applying them during work in the Ukrainian natural reserve “Znesinnia”;

• The knowledge and skills gained by IDPs can be utilized in their respective communities, contributing to the restoration of war-damaged and neglected plantations;

• The Lviv territorial community, represented by “Znesinnia”, will be the owner of the values acquired through the project (planted trees). The trees, planted by participants, will continue to grow within the Lviv community, and informational stickers will remind visitors of IDPs’ contribution to the park’s restoration;

• The created electronic display (map) of planted trees will allow participants, especially IDPs, to find their personally planted tree even after several years, observing its integration and adaptation within the new natural community. This is crucial for participants, drawing parallels between nature and human communities: constant changes that can be adapted to and the overall stability of life;

• Implementing the project will significantly increase trust among different population groups and involved institutions, as a common goal will be achieved: preserving (restoring) the plantations of “Znesinnia”, which is a part of the Ukrainian natural reserve system. Project realization through personal connections between IDPs and members of the local community, enhanced cohesion, and shared awareness of values and life expectations will help reduce risks for forming a secure social system within the Lviv community.

Grant Number: FY24-VIA-CSC-LIIS

This project is made possible within United Voices in Action, which implemented by IREX  with the support of the U.S. Department of State. The contents are the sole responsibility of NGO “Forest Initiatives and Communities”, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IREX and U.S. Department of State.