Year-End Summary: Successful Cooperation Between ME "Volynpryrodresurs" and Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University, Results of Environmental Monitoring
The event was attended by Anatolii Kapustiuk, Director of the Municipal Enterprise "Volynpryrodresurs"; Yurii Roiko, Chair of the Standing Committee on Ecology and Rational Use of Natural Resources; Kateryna Sukhomlyn, Head of the Department of Zoology and Professor; Larysa Kotsun, Associate Professor of the Department of Botany and Methods of Teaching Natural Sciences; and Volodymyr Radzii, Head of the Department of Ecology and Protection of Environment and Associate Professor.
Memorandum Between ME "Volynpryrodresurs" and Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University
Over four years ago, a memorandum was signed between ME "Volynpryrodresurs" and Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University, which laid the foundation for long-term collaboration.
Anatolii Kapustiuk, Director of VPR, highly praised the University’s contribution to joint activities, emphasizing:
"This would not have been possible without your university, your faculties, and your experts. We are sincerely grateful for your assistance and professionalism."
Thanks to this cooperation, it has been possible to ensure objective environmental monitoring of extraction areas and prepare reports for the Ministry of Ecology of Ukraine. Even after the formal reporting obligations in certain areas ended, the enterprise has continued research for scientific purposes, in order to assess the long-term environmental impacts of its operations.
Anatolii Tsos, Rector of Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University, underlined the importance of applied research, stating:
"We see survey reports on the flora and fauna of the areas where production activities take place. This reflects the high scientific and educational potential of our specialists. It is important that scientific research is directed toward addressing practical tasks."
Volodymyr Radzii highlighted the significance of the four-year collaboration, noting that the memorandum has provided a framework for systematic monitoring that encompasses both extraction sites and adjacent areas:
"We are already observing the dynamics of changes over time following extraction activities, including the restoration of biodiversity at mined deposits and surrounding territories. Additionally, we can cross-reference field research data with remote sensing results. Landscape mapping is conducted, along with the mapping of the distribution of specific flora and fauna species in the studied areas."
Engaging Students in Research and Practical Work
A significant achievement of the collaboration has been the engagement of students in practical work. In 2024, an off-site scientific seminar was organized for students, during which they explored the processes of amber and peat extraction and processing.
According to Volodymyr Radzii:
"This provided students not only with theoretical knowledge but also with practical skills. We always emphasize the importance of the environmental component in extraction activities."
Educational outreach undoubtedly fosters greater environmental awareness.
Anatolii Kapustiuk noted:
"Young researchers are genuinely interested in the extraction process and technology—they are curious about all stages and eagerly take photos with unique amber specimens. Over the past year, we held six educational events showcasing the enterprise’s operations. It is very gratifying that this interests future scientists, as there is a shortage of biologists, geologists, surveyors, and specialists involved in extraction or reclamation processes."
Over the years of collaboration, particular emphasis has been placed on involving students in practical research, enabling future professionals to gain unique experience and understand the environmental aspects of extraction.
Monitoring Flora and Fauna at Sites
The "Kamian-Kashyrska-1" and "Kamian-Kashyrska-2" sites, currently not used for industrial extraction, were highlighted separately. Volodymyr Radzii noted that monitoring these areas revealed significant changes, particularly due to forestry activities and local community land use. During visits to these sites, participants drew attention to the issue of forest littering.
Biodiversity monitoring is a key task. The resilience of nature is remarkable—even within the operational areas of the "Manevytska-1" and "Manevytska-2" sites. This is particularly evident in the animal kingdom: species listed in protected registries continue to thrive in areas adjacent to these sites, raising hopes that, after reclamation, these rare species will repopulate the restored areas.
The preservation of fauna reflects a high level of environmental responsibility and the quality of operational work, which minimizes impacts on the natural environment.
Anatolii Kapustiuk elaborated:
"The interim stage between technical reclamation and full biological reclamation (tree planting) is also significant. For instance, when operations conclude in spring and tree planting is planned for autumn, we use this period to create a forage base for animals. We seeded corn, rye, and wheat in these areas. We didn’t expect such an effect—these territories came alive! Wild boars, moose, and deer began appearing in large numbers."
Special attention is given not only to extraction sites but also to adjacent areas, ensuring a comprehensive approach to studying the environmental impact of operations. Additionally, recommendations are developed for reclaimed territories, particularly to combat invasive plants like ragweed. These measures aim to eliminate and control outbreaks, preventing the spread of harmful vegetation.
Such research contributes to an increasing number of scientific publications, supporting regional development. This series of materials not only documents changes in flora and fauna but also tracks the dynamics of these processes, forming a knowledge base for future environmental initiatives.
Importance of Regular Environmental Monitoring and Impacts of Illegal Extraction
Yurii Roiko shared:
"In 2016, a working group tasked with assessing the social, material, and environmental damage caused by illegal amber extraction visited an affected area. In just one and a half years, illegal miners had devastated a 60-year-old pine forest: trees were destroyed, root systems mechanically weakened, and the trees were infested with trunk pests. The situation was dire—the forest needed urgent rescue. The infestation spread to surrounding areas due to the weakened forest. Unfortunately, many years were lost as the enterprise’s operations were artificially halted by various factors, such as political interference. Only in 2020, when the enterprise finally resumed operations, was the first biological reclamation conducted on the same site affected by illegal extraction."
More details: ME “Volynpryrodresurs” Transferred its First Reclaimed Area to the Manevychi State Forestry
After extraction activities, technical reclamation is conducted, restoring soil layers in their proper order, followed by the transfer of the area to the forestry service for biological reclamation. The forestry service develops a tree planting plan, specifying species, spacing, and other details. Within one to two months, the entire area is planted.
Reclaimed territories significantly surpass adjacent hard-soil areas in quality, achieving 100% seedling establishment and robust root system development due to the loose soil.
Anatolii Kapustiuk stated:
"Restoration occurs not only in areas of excavator-based extraction but also where combined or mechanized methods are used, with equally impressive results. For example, at the ‘Klondike’ site, spanning nearly 20 hectares, a new forest has been planted. Previously, the forest here was nearly nonexistent—trees were felled and rotted. The quality of seedling establishment and growth is truly remarkable. Now, we see birch trees taller than human height, exceeding one meter. This demonstrates the success of reclamation efforts."
Reports on Environmental Impact Monitoring Results
ME "Volynpryrodresurs" publishes reports on the results of environmental impact monitoring for the previous year on its official website. The published reports are available at: vpr.ua.
The reports detail the species composition of plants, animals, birds, and insects identified at the surveyed deposits. These materials will be of interest to students, researchers, scientists, and anyone eager to learn more about the flora and fauna of the Volyn region’s territorial communities.