The devastating impact of war on soil health in Ukraine is both a visible and hidden threat to ecosystems and communities. From craters created by missile strikes near Izyum to invisible contamination by heavy metals, the land faces severe challenges. Restoring this land is not only an ecological necessity but also a mission that aligns with sustainable community-building efforts.

Soil regeneration is essential to combat the longer-term consequences of degradation: desertification, wind erosion, and loss of fertility. Through this project, GEN Ukraine aims to leverage regenerative techniques in partnership with three critical eco-locations: Radaria Eco-Center, Bezvodne (Mykolaiv Region), and Prostir Lyubovi (Polissya region).

ABOUT US

GEN Ukraine (Global Ecovillage Network of Ukraine) is a network of Ukrainian eco-villages that focuses on education, ecological restoration, and community resilience. We specialize in regenerative agroforestry, sustainable off-grid living, and community-based resource management. We believe in reconnecting people with the earth through hands-on training, ecological practices, and rebuilding ecosystems.

Our initiative builds upon years of experience helping communities heal and thrive. In 2022, we successfully launched the Green Road of Ecovillages project, supporting over 3,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) across eco-settlements in Ukraine.

PROJECT GOALS

The Regeneration in War Project aims to restore the land, rebuild communities, and provide practical knowledge to residents, farmers, and volunteers. We will focus on ecological recovery through innovative soil treatment methods in three key locations:

1. Eco-Center Radaria (Kyiv Region location):

   • Biochar technology will be used to regenerate depleted soil. Biochar enhances soil fertility, increases organic carbon, and stabilizes toxic substances. This method is especially effective when combined with warm bed technology to boost productivity in war-damaged areas.

2. Bezvodne Bhumi (Mykolaiv Region Location):

   • Located in the south of Ukraine, this ecovillage faces extreme environmental degradation due to war. Here, the project will apply holistic grazing methods to restore biodiversity, reduce invasive plant species, and regenerate soils.

3. Prostir Lyubovi (Polissya region Location):

   • This eco-village is a vibrant center for community learning and healing. It will serve as a training hub, where we host ecological workshops, volunteer programs, and community events focusing on practical restoration activities.

PROJECT IMPACT

The regeneration of war-affected soil aligns with global environmental goals, directly addressing ecosystem restoration and climate resilience. Our work will have the following measurable outcomes:

• Soil Remediation: Measured by areas restored using biochar and grazing techniques.
• Community Engagement: Number of courses held, participants trained, and volunteers involved.
• Biodiversity Improvement: Increase in native plant species and soil biodiversity metrics.
• Economic Sustainability: Creating eco-education centers that offer hands-on training to locals and IDPs.

ACTIVITIES

ACTIVITIES

1. Radaria Eco-Center (Kyiv Region)

   • Biochar Production and Application: Produce biochar from local biomass and apply it to regenerate soil, improving fertility and stabilizing contaminants.
   • Restoration of Windbreaks in the Village of Kukhari: Replanting trees in areas affected by military action to restore damaged forest belts.
   • New Tree Planting in War-Affected Areas: Work with volunteers to plant new trees in degraded zones, helping to rehabilitate the environment and increase biodiversity.

2. Bezvodne (Mykolaiv Region)

   • Holistic Planned Grazing: Introduce controlled goat grazing to manage invasive plants and restore soil fertility in this war-impacted region.
   • Rainwater Collection and Recirculation System: Develop and implement a rainwater harvesting and recirculation system in the steppe zone, which faces severe drought conditions.

3. Prostir Lyubovi

   • Creation of an Ecological Trail: Build an eco-trail designed for educational and scientific excursions. The trail will be used for ecological research and public awareness events.
   • Wetland Restoration and Protection: Rehabilitate and protect local wetlands, creating a sustainable environment for wildlife and water management.

4. Cataloging Regenerative Solutions: Develop a comprehensive catalog of regenerative practices and solutions used within our network of eco-settlements.

5. Educational Events on Soil Regeneration: Organize and facilitate workshops and training programs focused on regenerative land management techniques.

WHY THIS PROJECT MATTERS

The war in Ukraine has not only devastated lives but also the natural environment. Restoring the soil is critical for the long-term sustainability of the land and communities. Through biochar, grazing, and educational workshops, we aim to heal ecosystems and empower people with the skills needed for regeneration.

Our approach also builds resilience:

• Social Resilience: Supporting eco-villagers to become safe havens for displaced persons.
• Ecological Resilience: Rebuilding biodiversity through regenerative practices.
• Economic Resilience: Training locals to apply sustainable agriculture techniques.

OUR TEAM

Our project team consists of environmental experts, community leaders, and regenerative agriculture practitioners. Our network includes:

• Eco-Center Radaria: Specialists in biochar research and application. Vira Rodionova
• Bezvodne: Experts in holistic grazing and sustainable land management. Oleg Manulyak
• Prostir Lyubovi: A vibrant community space for workshops and hands-on ecological learning. Anatoliy Nagorny

OUR VISION

We envision a future where war-torn soil is transformed into fertile, thriving ecosystems, where displaced persons find hope, and where communities grow resilient and sustainable. By leveraging regenerative practices, GEN Ukraine aims to create a network of educational hubs that serve as a model for ecological restoration in times of crisis.

CLOSING REMARKS

We believe that small actions lead to big impacts. Through your support, we will restore land, empower communities, and share knowledge for a greener, more resilient Ukraine. Together, we can regenerate not just soil, but hope and possibility.

More details or adjustments

Github; https://github.com/maxzalevski/regenerative_lands Medium: Express method Regeneration Land ukr

Coordinator: Maksym Zalevskyi https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxzalevski/

Experts: Maksym Zalevskyi, Vira Rodionova, Iryna Kazakova, Anatoliy Nagornyi, Camilla Nielsen Englyst

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vira-rodionova-39259016/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/iryna-kazakova/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/cenglyst/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/anatolij-nagornij-2a63b7309/