Protecting nature in times of war

Support for projects in Ukraine

In times of global uncertainty and crises, solidarity and mutual support are crucial. Thanks to their network’s great willingness to donate, Zoo and Tierpark Berlin have made a significant contribution to various animal protection and nature conservation projects in Ukraine. In cooperation with NABU, they have been able to channel funds into projects whose work is continuing during the war.

We spoke with Ivan Tymofeiev, NABU project manager and deputy team leader of the Central Asia and Eastern Europe Programme, which coordinates nature conservation measures in Ukraine.

[Translate to English:] Ivan Tymofeiev © NABU

Can you tell us a bit about the situation on the ground?

I.T.: The war is having a devastating impact on the local population. I am in the Carpathians, where supply problems and constant power cuts in autumn and winter are now part of everyday life. Young people in particular are suffering as a result of the difficult conditions. Thanks to generous support, we were able to provide assistance to the brown bear rehabilitation centre run by the Institute of Ecology of the Carpathians in Synevyr National Park in western Ukraine. This centre not only plays a crucial role in the care of orphaned or injured brown bears and their reintegration into the wild, it also offers a range of environmental education programmes. More than 5,800 children, including many who have gone through the trauma of fleeing from their homes, have benefited from these activities. In special workshops, they are able to escape from the difficulties of everyday life and instead focus on building birdhouses, observing animals, and listening to fairy tales.

What other concrete measures have been implemented with the support received?

I.T.: The donations enabled us to continue work on another important nature conservation project in Ukraine: fixing the destroyed fencing around the 70-hectare Yelanets Steppe Nature Reserve. In collaboration with the Ukrainian Society for the Protection of Birds and with Tierpark Berlin, we were able to repair this war damage – and we also involved local people in the work. The animals that live in the reserve include the European bison, which is a key species in the ecosystem as it plays a crucial role in maintaining natural balance.

Why is support for nature conservation work so important right now?

I.T.: Support on the ground is vital, as the war is directly threatening vulnerable species and their habitats. Many nature conservation projects that have been years in the making are sadly now facing serious financing issues as a result of the current crisis. Missiles are destroying important facilities, and mines are endangering the lives of conservationists. In situ support is therefore not only important for the animals themselves, but also for the people who share their living space. We are extremely grateful for the help we have received so far.

Working together to protect animals and nature: Your donation makes a difference!

Your support is crucial for keeping important projects like these up and running in Ukraine. Every donation, however large or small, helps protect animals and nature.

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Nature conservation in Ukraine:

Ukraine is home to an abundance of natural treasures that must be protected. From the vast Yelanets Steppe to the majestic Carpathian Mountains, the country contains many unique ecosystems and vulnerable species. And yet poaching, habitat loss and environmental pollution pose serious threats to the nature of Ukraine. The devastating effects of the war are placing additional strain on the country’s flora and fauna, making the work to protect and restore it all the more urgent. Through targeted nature conservation projects and with the help of local partners, organisations like NABU are making a valuable contribution to preserving this important natural environment. Ensuring a sustainable future for Ukrainian nature requires more than support from abroad: concerted efforts must also be made to raise awareness among local people and get these communities involved.

You can find more information about how to help Ukraine here:

Ukraine aid

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Protecting nature in times of war

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