2022 Ukraine Botanic Garden Appeal

Kryvyi Rih Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine

The Kryvyi Rih Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine was founded in 1992. It is a unique institution, located in the steppe region of Ukraine. The Garden plays a critical role in research of the biological diversity of this zone, which covers about 40% of the country, and is engaged in developing ways to preserve it.  The staff is also involved in restoration techniques for areas damaged by industrial development. The Garden encompasses 52.4 hectares, and has a unique collection of trees, shrubs, and other flora. It has been awarded the status of a “Ukrainian National Treasure“. 

Collections at Kryvyi Rih Botanical Garden

KRBG is recognised as a leading centre for the conservation of rare and endangered plant species of steppe ecosystems of Ukraine, including species of feathergrasses (Stipa sp.), a number which are included in the European and World Red Lists. The collection is a prerequisite for the creation of a seed bank of endangered species of steppe flora, their disappearance in the collection increases the risk of extinction of these species.

Impact of the Crisis

Before the Russian invasion on February 24, 2022, three departments of the Garden employed 21 researchers, including 14 with advanced scientific degrees. After the Russian aggression began, nine staff members left the country. The workload of those carrying out the Garden’s activities has doubled. The garden needs financial support, particularly for young staff members who have chosen to remain at work. 

Today Kryvyi Rih is a frontline city in the war waged by Russia. Therefore the city has to accommodate a large number of refugees, who need not only financial but also moral and psychological support. The Botanical Garden has many diverse collections and exhibits, and also places where war refugees can experience relaxation and rehabilitation after the horrific experiences they have endured. Garden employees take refugees, both adults and children, on garden tours free of charge.  These tours can entail an overview of the garden, or can be focused on particular topics. Such activities could be substantially expanded if there was more financial support for garden staff.

Funding from the 2022 Ukraine Botanic Garden Appeal will support the following activities:

1. Conducting Garden tours for refugees, people with disabilities
2. Thematic Garden tours for children and other target audiences
3. Nature games and other activities for refugee children
4. Travel subsidies to bring refugees and people with disabilities to the Garden
5. Support of Garden educational school for children

Final report

How you have met your objective(s)?

Researchers gave various thematic excursions in the botanical garden, quest games for children with musical breaks, presentation of small prizes, sweets. The work of “Young Ecologist” school was organised, the students of which were both schoolchildren and adults – immigrants from the same industrial cities as Kryvyi Rih (Mariupol, Avdiivka). Researchers shared their experience in planting greenery of industrial cities, which will be necessary for post-war reconstruction of cities. Given the length of our city (126 km), work to facilitate transportation of internally displaced persons and people with disabilities to botanical garden from remote areas of city was carried out.

Describe the impact(s) of your project.

Due to grant program, garden’s researchers gave thematic excursions for displaced persons and their children, which helped to emotionally relax from terrible realities of today and, at least briefly, to forget sirens and explosions. Quests for children, carried out like games, took them to peace and silence among nature. Students of “Young Ecologist” school gained vast experience in landscaping of industrial cities at post-war period. Assistance in bringing people to botanical garden has significantly expanded categories and number of visitors. On the basis of garden,

 

July 2022: Updates from Kryvyi Rih Botanic Garden

During May the scientists of the Kryvyi Rih Botanical Garden held an educational quest-game for temporarily displaced school-aged children. 35 children (from 8 to 15 years of age) took part in the event during which they learnt about the main properties of flowering plants. The event was accompanied with music, during which children and their parents were able to distract themselves and find respite from the crisis.

Aug 2022: Updates from Kryvyi Rih Botanical Garden

With the support provided by the Appeal, scientists at the Kryvyi Rih Botanical Garden conducted an educational excursion “Blooming Ukraine” for internally displaced school age children. During the excursion, 14 refugee children were able to be given some respite from the tension caused by the conflict by spending time in nature and learning about the growth and development of hybrid irises and peonies. The event was a success, with the children delighted by the variety of colors, aromas, and their interaction with nature.