January 21, 2025 marked the successful launch of the “Ecological Encounters” Online Club as part of the international TransLearnN project. The honored first speaker was Iryna Shpakivska, PhD in Biology, ecologist and Head of the Ecosystemology Department at the Institute of Ecology of the Carpathians, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.
Dr. Shpakivska presented a timely report on “Ecosystem Services: Classification, Assessment, and Monetization,” sharing her years of experience in studying old-growth forests, determining the carbon capacity of natural ecosystems, evaluating ecosystem services, and ecosystem management of protected areas.
The meeting brought together 20 specialists from conservation institutions and educational establishments, including representatives from:

Holosiivskyi National Nature Park
Chornobyl Radiation-Ecological Biosphere Reserve
Desniansko-Starohutskyi National Nature Park
Synohora National Nature Park
Carpathian Biosphere Reserve
Shatskyi National Nature Park
National Transport University
Admiral Makarov National University of Shipbuilding

The event sparked lively discussion, and the practical value of the presented materials prompted participants to propose an extended seminar for a more detailed examination of specific aspects of the topic.
The TransLearnN project organizers express their sincere gratitude to Iryna Shpakivska for her expert contribution and the successful launch of the “Ecological Encounters” Online Club!