Ecological Research Station “Hlyboki Balyky”

The first eco-station in Ukraine was established in 2019 by Ukrainian ecologists and entrepreneurs near Rzhyshchiv, Kyiv region. Its success inspired the creation of the Ukrainian Ecostations Network (MEY) and the idea of spreading this experience to other communities in the country.

The eco-station is in a picturesque spot on a Dnipro River cliff, surrounded by wild nature. As a demonstration site, it showcases leading practices in regenerative agriculture (permaculture), eco-sanitation, and green energy, as well as crafts such as pottery, weaving, and blacksmithing in a real forge. Nearby, the experimental farm “Pidkova” operates, where experts and scientists practice holistic goat grazing as a method of biodiversity restoration.

At Hlyboki Balyky, the most up-to-date information about local ecosystems and community biodiversity is collected. The station regularly hosts excursions, lectures, and camps involving scientists (zoologists, botanists, and geologists) and experts.

The eco-station attracts various organizations, students, and researchers, who choose it as a venue for seminars, training sessions, strategic meetings, internships, expeditions, children’s camps, and more.

One of the largest projects based at Hlyboki Balyky is the biodiversity research of the Rzhyshchiv community, conducted since 2020 by scientists from the Ukrainian Nature Conservation Group (UNCG). This is a single administrative unit’s first comprehensive biodiversity inventory in Ukraine.

The results of botanical, mycological, zoological, hydrochemical, and other studies have been published in scientific collections titled “Biodiversity of the Rzhyshchiv Urban Territorial Community”. As of 2024, four volumes have been published and can be accessed on the website — PRESS HERE.

The “Biodiversity of the Rzhyshchiv Urban Territorial Community” series is intended for scientists, students, conservationists, local historians, local government bodies, and other interested parties. The information gathered through these studies can serve as the basis for environmental education materials, raise awareness about ecosystem services, and provide detailed data for local environmental conservation and sustainable development of various economic activities for the community’s residents.