River Restoration in Ukraine Honoured with the European Dam Removal Award 2024

Our project, “Removal of Three Artificial Dams in Ukraine During Wartime,” implemented in partnership with the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve, has become a winner among Europe’s most successful river restoration and dam removal initiatives of 2024.

This is a shared victory for everyone who worked with us and our partners to restore the tributaries of the Tysa River — the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve (Chornohora Protected Research Department, Maramureș Protected Research Department, and the Bohdan–Petros branch of the reserve) — as well as for all those who supported free-flowing rivers in Ukraine, voted for our project, and helped spread our story.

Together we are strong. Without reliable partners and engaged local communities, the outcome could have been very different.

Our efforts to restore the tributaries of the Tysa are only the beginning. Ahead lies important work to identify and remove barriers in the Pripyat River basin — including the Uzh, Stokhid, and the upper reaches of the Pripyat River.

This will help to:

• restore the natural flow of small rivers;
• bring wetlands back to life;
• strengthen Europe’s “green shield” along the border with Belarus.

Despite the war, we continue to protect wildlife and our natural heritage.

Thank you to everyone who stands with us — for your support, trust, and belief in the preservation of Ukraine’s wild nature! 💦
Our deepest gratitude to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.