WCC-2025-Res-005 - Activity Report submission form

In Ukraine, UNCG prioritises steppe conservation. Between 2020 and 2025, we developed the scientific justification and advocated for decisions to include 2,000 hectares of steppe in the protected area network.

In Ukraine, UNCG prioritises steppe conservation. Between 2020 and 2025, we developed the scientific justification and advocated for decisions to include 2,000 hectares of steppe in the protected area network.

Another 2,000 hectares are currently in the process of being designated.

We work to prevent afforestation of steppe areas. In 2022, we successfully advocated for legislation prohibiting the afforestation of steppe sites. Between 2023 and 2025, at least 1,200 hectares of steppe areas were removed from artificial afforestation plans.

We use satellite imagery and land-use analysis to identify planned ploughing of steppe areas, including their conversion from pasture to arable land, and challenge these activities through legal mechanisms. This work is carried out simultaneously at a minimum of 150 locations.
We monitor protected areas across Ukraine and document violations of environmental legislation nationwide.

We map grassland habitats and publish the mapping data on GBIF. Members of UNCG maintain the Ukrainian Grassland Database, contributing to the systematic documentation and monitoring of grassland habitats in Ukraine.

We formed a team of authors and contributed to the publication of the Atlas of Grassland Habitats of Ukraine. The 244-page atlas provides comprehensive information on Ukraine’s grassland habitats, including detailed descriptions of each type, photographs of habitats and characteristic, rare and invasive plant and animal species, as well as assessments of ecological indicators, threats, conservation significance and risk of loss.

We are contributing to the establishment of Ukraine’s first steppe National Nature Park, “Budzhak Steppes,” in Odesa Oblast. We conduct field expeditions and biodiversity inventories. The park is expected to be established in 2026 and to cover approximately 9,300 hectares.

We carry out steppe habitat mapping projects as part of the Europe-wide BIODIVERSA+ programme.