Memorandum on Continued Cooperation Signed Between ME Volynpryrodresurs and Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University
On 26 February 2026, the municipal enterprise Volynpryrodresurs of the Volyn Regional Council, represented by Director Anatolii Kapustiuk, and Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University, represented by Rector Professor Anatolii Tsyos, officially signed a Memorandum on the continuation of cooperation, confirming the expansion of their long-standing partnership in the fields of science, education and environmental support of industrial activities.
The document marks an important stage in the development of systematic cooperation between the enterprise and the university, which has already produced tangible results.
Results of Joint Work
Cooperation between ME Volynpryrodresurs and Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University has already achieved significant results.
A scientific research group was established at the university to conduct environmental monitoring of the enterprise’s activities. The group includes researchers from the Faculty of Biology and Forestry, the Faculty of Geography, and the Faculty of Chemistry and Ecology. The scientific group is headed by Volodymyr Radzii.
Over the years, specialists have conducted comprehensive field surveys of territories, analysing the condition of soils, water resources and landscapes, as well as carrying out measurements and instrumental research.
University students are actively involved in fieldwork and surveying activities, which allows them to combine theoretical knowledge with practical skills directly at the enterprise’s production sites.
One of the key areas of cooperation is the practical training of students in natural sciences. Students of the university complete their industrial internships at the facilities of ME Volynpryrodresurs, participating in field research, geodetic measurements, environmental observations and the processing of collected data.
Field classes, excursions, thematic meetings and annual summary discussions are also organised. During these activities, students gain an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the full cycle of industrial operations, the principles of legal mineral resource use, environmental legislation requirements and mechanisms for monitoring compliance with environmental standards.
Director of ME Volynpryrodresurs, Anatolii Kapustiuk, noted:
"Cooperation with the university represents not only scientific support for our activities but also a contribution to the training of future specialists. Professor Anna Ul, Head of the Department of Geodesy, Land Management and Cadastre, Doctor of Technical Sciences, has committed to preparing such specialists. We are interested in ensuring that young people gain real practical experience and understand the principles of rational use of natural resources."
This cooperation contributes to the development of a practical understanding among future specialists of sustainable natural resource management and responsible environmental practices.
A New Stage of Partnership
The Memorandum signed on 26 February 2026 defines further areas of cooperation, including:
expansion of scientific research and environmental monitoring;
involvement of students in internships and practical training;
preparation of joint scientific publications;
implementation of educational and outreach projects;
participation in grant initiatives and scientific conferences.
The document also confirms the intention of both parties to develop systematic cooperation in the field of sustainable natural resource management and regional development.
During the meeting, the parties also discussed issues related to sustainable regional development, particularly in the context of implementing the principles of the UN Global Compact in Ukraine and ESG approaches. Special attention was given to the importance of peat deposits as a strategic resource, which has significant potential to strengthen the country’s energy independence during wartime, enhance energy security and contribute to the development of the regional economy.
During the discussion, it was also noted that the extractive sector in the Volyn region currently faces a real shortage of qualified specialists in natural sciences. In this regard, ME Volynpryrodresurs is interested in building a кадровий резерв of future professionals and is ready to actively encourage young people to pursue careers in the field of mineral resource management. The enterprise emphasises that the extractive industry is not only a strategically important sector of the economy, but also a field that offers competitive salaries, opportunities for professional development and stable employment within the region.
Acknowledgement of Cooperation
The team of ME Volynpryrodresurs expresses sincere gratitude to the leadership and academic staff of Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University for their high level of professionalism, openness to cooperation and significant contribution to the scientific support of the enterprise’s activities.
This joint work demonstrates that the combination of the scientific potential of the university and the practical production experience of the enterprise represents an effective model for regional development based on legality, responsibility and the preservation of natural resources.
The signing of the Memorandum on 26 February 2026 became an important step in strengthening the partnership and confirmed the readiness of both parties to continue working together for the development of science, education and sustainable natural resource management in the Volyn region.
On the same day, during the meeting of the Academic Council of Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University, the team of ME Volynpryrodresurs was awarded an Honorary Certificate of Appreciation from the University for its significant contribution to the development of environmental culture, responsible mineral resource management in the Volyn region and many years of successful cooperation in the fields of science, education and sustainable natural resource use.
The presentation of this award reflects the university’s high appreciation of the joint work and confirms the strength of the partnership between the enterprise and the academic community.
