October 27–31, 2025, Rakhiv, Ukraine
Within the framework of the DAAD East-West Dialogue Programme, the workshop «Biosphere Network for Veteran Recovery» was held in Rakhiv as part of the DAAD project «Nature for Resilience – a Biosphere Network for Veteran Recovery». The primary objective of the project is to identify pathways for veteran rehabilitation within protected areas of Ukraine.
The event brought together representatives from diverse sectors: higher education institutions, protected area administrations, civil society organizations, veterans, active military personnel, volunteers, and other stakeholders. Project partners convened at the workshop, including representatives from the National Transport University, the Ukrainian National Forestry University, Zhytomyr Polytechnic State University, the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve, Holosiivskyi National Nature Park, the Chornobyl Radiation and Ecological Biosphere Reserve, and the Roztochya Nature Reserve. It was also a pleasure to establish new connections with colleagues from the Veterans Office of the Kyiv School of Economics, DoLadu (Tanya Trosteniuk), ForestCom (Dmytro Karabchuk), and a local volunteer group (Alina Kosovska).
The five-day programme was intensive and diverse. On the first, fourth, and fifth days, participants had the opportunity to learn about the activities of partner organizations, their developments, and experience in veteran rehabilitation both in Ukraine and abroad. The second day provided an opportunity to visit the «Perelisok» highland shelter, where therapeutic camps for military personnel are conducted.
The third day was dedicated to practical work using the DIY4CHANGE methodology: participants analysed the challenges faced by veterans and their families upon returning to civilian life, as well as those encountered by protected area institutions, communities, and higher education establishments. The subsequent steps involved idea generation, target group identification, and analysis of opportunities and risks associated with potential nature-based veteran rehabilitation projects.
On the fourth day, participants also embarked on a trip to Kvasy village near Rakhiv, where they enjoyed an engaging excursion of the «Kvasy» sanatorium, museum, and craft production facilities. The final day of the event was devoted to individual working meetings and an overview of grant opportunities for implementing future projects.
The workshop featured a presentation of the «Protected Area Research Community for Ukrainian Recovery» (PARCUR) platform — parcur.org, developed within the Biosphere Research working group of the TransLearnN project. The platform’s mission is to support the recovery of a healthy and prosperous Ukraine through collaboration and joint research between Ukrainian and international partners from protected areas and universities. Partners can utilize the platform to promote ideas and identify collaborators for joint research initiatives and projects.
The workshop organizers ensured an authentic Hutsul culinary and musical experience, which created a distinctive atmosphere throughout the event. This gathering was filled with meaningful exchanges, valuable insights, productive networking, and a shared commitment to realizing new collaborative projects.
Together, we are building a support network for those who defend Ukraine!
