Water Save System for ecovillages in Ukraine
**Description** Our project strengthens ecological resilience and climate adaptation in rural Ukraine through the installation of decentralized water systems and community-driven hydrological restoration across a network of ecovillages. Coordinated by **GEN Ukraine**, these efforts respond to growing water stress, seasonal droughts, and wartime disruption of basic infrastructure. The initiative involves residents, displaced families, eco-entrepreneurs, and community builders in co-developing low-tech yet effective solutions — such as rainwater harvesting, well drilling, swales, lake restoration, and irrigation networks — to secure water access for food growing, livestock care, and ecological regeneration. Water infrastructure projects are ongoing in **9 ecovillages**, including **Goloka** (Odesa), **Radariya** (Kyiv), **Tepla Hora** (Carpathians), **Bhumi** (Khmelnytskyi and Mykolaiv), **Svitanok Samara** (Dnipro), **Zhyvy Dim** (Kharkiv), **Omelyanivka** (Zhytomyr), and **Charyvne (Chmyrivka)** in the Kholodnyi Yar region of Cherkasy. These systems are not isolated assets — they are embedded in daily life, connected to permaculture hubs, forest gardens, veteran rehabilitation centers, and community kitchens. Projects are developed and maintained by local teams (often 5–15 people per site), with women and youth actively leading design, installation, and care. Refugees and war-affected communities contribute to and benefit from each system, turning adaptation into solidarity. ### **Key outcomes include:** * **9 decentralized water systems** implemented or underway (rainwater harvesting, wells, irrigation, lake systems) * **Over 65,000 liters** of total water storage capacity across all locations * **4 new wells** drilled in high-risk or drought-prone regions * **3 natural lakes recharged or being restored** (Svitanok Samara, **Chmyrivka**, Tepla Hora) * **Community-built wetland corridor** in Charyvne: 200,000 UAH crowdfunded, dam and pond system created by three hamlets to prevent landslides and restore habitat * **Swales and catchment systems** established to improve retention and reduce erosion * **Water-secure food production** for veterans, children, and displaced families * **Livestock water supply** secured for 120+ animals during blackouts in frontline zone This initiative showcases the power of grassroots communities to build climate resilience, even under conflict. Each roof, trench, and tank contributes not only to ecosystem regeneration — but to human dignity, autonomy, and long-term survival.
Ecovillage network GEN Ukraine
Our project supports ecological regeneration and community resilience in war-affected regions of Ukraine through collaborative land restoration initiatives. Coordinated by GEN Ukraine, a network of 60+ rural ecovillages, we involve residents, displaced families, eco-activists, and international allies in restoring biodiversity, water systems, and landscape health. Restoration actions are community-led, uniting villagers, internally displaced persons (IDPs), eco-activists, and international volunteers across all ages. Local families prepare lands, maintain ecosystems, and integrate ecological improvements into daily life, engaging 20–40 participants per event. Women and youth notably drive ongoing care and education. Spanning over 11 ecovillages including Gruzke, Vesela Slobidka, Posolon, Zhyvy Dim, Kukhari, Tepla Hora (Carpathians), Vasylivka, Chmyrivka, Bhumi, Balyky, and Lahulsk Dendropark, these efforts represent robust grassroots initiatives addressing land degradation and climate challenges despite ongoing conflict. Key activities include planting over 2000 trees and shrubs (linden, mulberry, pine, hazel, rhododendrons), establishing water management systems in Tepla Hora, Chmyrivka, and Vasylivka, and initiating grazing-based regeneration through eco-farms in Bhumi and Balyky. Lahulsk Dendropark has seen the construction of a 3 km ecological road supporting reforestation and conservation. Quantifiable impacts include: - 2000+ trees and bushes planted - 5 water systems established or underway - 4 hectares restored via lake and wetlands - 100 meters of river cleared - Improved biodiversity and ecosystem resilience in multiple regions This initiative demonstrates that communities can regenerate nature and foster social healing, making meaningful strides toward a sustainable future.
Ecovillage network GEN Ukraine
About Our project supports ecological regeneration and community resilience in war-affected regions of Ukraine through collaborative land restoration initiatives. Coordinated by GEN Ukraine, a network of 60+ rural ecovillages, we engage residents, displaced families, eco-activists, and international allies to restore biodiversity, water systems, and landscape health in diverse ecosystems across the country. Community Involvement Each restoration action is community-led, co-organized by villagers, eco-activists, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and volunteers. Participation spans all ages—from children to elders—and often includes international visitors. Local families prepare the land, maintain ecosystems, and integrate results into everyday life. In some locations, entire communities of 20–40 people are engaged during single events. Women and youth play a critical role in sustaining long-term care and education. Scale & Impact The project spans 11+ ecovillages across Ukraine: Gruzke, Vesela Slobidka, Posolon, Zhyvy Dim, Kukhari Teplа Hora (Carpathians) Vasylivka (Dnipro region) Chmyrivka (Cherkasy region) Bhumі (Mykolaiv region) Balyky (Kyiv region) Lahulsk Dendropark (southern Ukraine) Together, these locations represent a powerful grassroots effort to regenerate degraded lands, support biodiversity, and respond to climate challenges—despite war-related disruption. Activities & Approach Our approach combines ecological restoration with community empowerment: Tree planting: Over 700 trees and shrubs planted across multiple sites (linden, mulberry, pine, hazel, rhododendrons). Water system regeneration: In Tepla Hora (Carpathians), we established water collection systems and rainwater harvesting linked to a mountain stream. In Chmyrivka (Cherkasy region), a 4-hectare lake cascade and watershed system is under construction to restore local wetlands. In Vasylivka, the Samara River channel was cleared along 100 meters to revive water flow. Grazing-based regeneration: In Bhumі and Balyky, eco-farms are using managed grazing of goats and cows to regenerate soil, fertilize degraded lands, and create habitat diversity. Access & infrastructure: In Lahulsk Dendropark, a 3 km ecological road was built to support reforestation and conservation access. These efforts are accompanied by ecological education, community gatherings, and permaculture training, building both human and ecosystem resilience. Quantifiable Results 2000+ trees and bushes planted in 2024 5 water management systems established or under construction 4 hectares restored via lake and wetland system 100 m of river cleaned 3 km of ecological access road built 10+ active locations with 10–40 participants each 300+ people directly involved; 1000+ indirectly impacted Improved biodiversity: habitat for birds, pollinators, and soil organisms Soil & water retention improved in 5+ regions This project demonstrates how communities can regenerate nature, even under stress. It merges climate action, biodiversity care, and social healing—making every planting, every trench, and every restored hectare a step toward a livable future. Github Report here: https://github.com/maxzalevski/regenerative_lands tree planting: https://github.com/maxzalevski/tree_planting
Ecovillage network GEN Ukraine
About Our project supports ecological regeneration and community resilience in war-affected regions of Ukraine through collaborative land restoration initiatives. Coordinated by GEN Ukraine, a network of 60+ rural ecovillages, we engage residents, displaced families, eco-activists, and international allies to restore biodiversity, water systems, and landscape health in diverse ecosystems across the country. Community Involvement Each restoration action is community-led, co-organized by villagers, eco-activists, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and volunteers. Participation spans all ages—from children to elders—and often includes international visitors. Local families prepare the land, maintain ecosystems, and integrate results into everyday life. In some locations, entire communities of 20–40 people are engaged during single events. Women and youth play a critical role in sustaining long-term care and education. Scale & Impact The project spans 11+ ecovillages across Ukraine: Gruzke, Vesela Slobidka, Posolon, Zhyvy Dim, Kukhari Teplа Hora (Carpathians) Vasylivka (Dnipro region) Chmyrivka (Cherkasy region) Bhumі (Mykolaiv region) Balyky (Kyiv region) Lahulsk Dendropark (southern Ukraine) Together, these locations represent a powerful grassroots effort to regenerate degraded lands, support biodiversity, and respond to climate challenges—despite war-related disruption. Activities & Approach Our approach combines ecological restoration with community empowerment: Tree planting: Over 700 trees and shrubs planted across multiple sites (linden, mulberry, pine, hazel, rhododendrons). Water system regeneration: In Tepla Hora (Carpathians), we established water collection systems and rainwater harvesting linked to a mountain stream. In Chmyrivka (Cherkasy region), a 4-hectare lake cascade and watershed system is under construction to restore local wetlands. In Vasylivka, the Samara River channel was cleared along 100 meters to revive water flow. Grazing-based regeneration: In Bhumі and Balyky, eco-farms are using managed grazing of goats and cows to regenerate soil, fertilize degraded lands, and create habitat diversity. Access & infrastructure: In Lahulsk Dendropark, a 3 km ecological road was built to support reforestation and conservation access. These efforts are accompanied by ecological education, community gatherings, and permaculture training, building both human and ecosystem resilience. Quantifiable Results 2000+ trees and bushes planted in 2024 5 water management systems established or under construction 4 hectares restored via lake and wetland system 100 m of river cleaned 3 km of ecological access road built 10+ active locations with 10–40 participants each 300+ people directly involved; 1000+ indirectly impacted Improved biodiversity: habitat for birds, pollinators, and soil organisms Soil & water retention improved in 5+ regions This project demonstrates how communities can regenerate nature, even under stress. It merges climate action, biodiversity care, and social healing—making every planting, every trench, and every restored hectare a step toward a livable future. Github Report here: https://github.com/maxzalevski/regenerative_lands tree planting: https://github.com/maxzalevski/tree_planting
Ecovillage network GEN Ukraine
About Our project supports ecological regeneration and community resilience in war-affected regions of Ukraine through collaborative land restoration initiatives. Coordinated by GEN Ukraine, a network of 60+ rural ecovillages, we engage residents, displaced families, eco-activists, and international allies to restore biodiversity, water systems, and landscape health in diverse ecosystems across the country. Community Involvement Each restoration action is community-led, co-organized by villagers, eco-activists, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and volunteers. Participation spans all ages—from children to elders—and often includes international visitors. Local families prepare the land, maintain ecosystems, and integrate results into everyday life. In some locations, entire communities of 20–40 people are engaged during single events. Women and youth play a critical role in sustaining long-term care and education. Scale & Impact The project spans 11+ ecovillages across Ukraine: Gruzke, Vesela Slobidka, Posolon, Zhyvy Dim, Kukhari Teplа Hora (Carpathians) Vasylivka (Dnipro region) Chmyrivka (Cherkasy region) Bhumі (Mykolaiv region) Balyky (Kyiv region) Lahulsk Dendropark (southern Ukraine) Together, these locations represent a powerful grassroots effort to regenerate degraded lands, support biodiversity, and respond to climate challenges—despite war-related disruption. Activities & Approach Our approach combines ecological restoration with community empowerment: Tree planting: Over 700 trees and shrubs planted across multiple sites (linden, mulberry, pine, hazel, rhododendrons). Water system regeneration: In Tepla Hora (Carpathians), we established water collection systems and rainwater harvesting linked to a mountain stream. In Chmyrivka (Cherkasy region), a 4-hectare lake cascade and watershed system is under construction to restore local wetlands. In Vasylivka, the Samara River channel was cleared along 100 meters to revive water flow. Grazing-based regeneration: In Bhumі and Balyky, eco-farms are using managed grazing of goats and cows to regenerate soil, fertilize degraded lands, and create habitat diversity. Access & infrastructure: In Lahulsk Dendropark, a 3 km ecological road was built to support reforestation and conservation access. These efforts are accompanied by ecological education, community gatherings, and permaculture training, building both human and ecosystem resilience. Quantifiable Results 2000+ trees and bushes planted in 2024 5 water management systems established or under construction 4 hectares restored via lake and wetland system 100 m of river cleaned 3 km of ecological access road built 10+ active locations with 10–40 participants each 300+ people directly involved; 1000+ indirectly impacted Improved biodiversity: habitat for birds, pollinators, and soil organisms Soil & water retention improved in 5+ regions This project demonstrates how communities can regenerate nature, even under stress. It merges climate action, biodiversity care, and social healing—making every planting, every trench, and every restored hectare a step toward a livable future. Github Report here: https://github.com/maxzalevski/regenerative_lands tree planting: https://github.com/maxzalevski/tree_planting
Ecovillage network GEN Ukraine
About Our project supports ecological regeneration and community resilience in war-affected regions of Ukraine through collaborative land restoration initiatives. Coordinated by GEN Ukraine, a network of 60+ rural ecovillages, we engage residents, displaced families, eco-activists, and international allies to restore biodiversity, water systems, and landscape health in diverse ecosystems across the country. Community Involvement Each restoration action is community-led, co-organized by villagers, eco-activists, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and volunteers. Participation spans all ages—from children to elders—and often includes international visitors. Local families prepare the land, maintain ecosystems, and integrate results into everyday life. In some locations, entire communities of 20–40 people are engaged during single events. Women and youth play a critical role in sustaining long-term care and education. Scale & Impact The project spans 11+ ecovillages across Ukraine: Gruzke, Vesela Slobidka, Posolon, Zhyvy Dim, Kukhari Teplа Hora (Carpathians) Vasylivka (Dnipro region) Chmyrivka (Cherkasy region) Bhumі (Mykolaiv region) Balyky (Kyiv region) Lahulsk Dendropark (southern Ukraine) Together, these locations represent a powerful grassroots effort to regenerate degraded lands, support biodiversity, and respond to climate challenges—despite war-related disruption. Activities & Approach Our approach combines ecological restoration with community empowerment: Tree planting: Over 700 trees and shrubs planted across multiple sites (linden, mulberry, pine, hazel, rhododendrons). Water system regeneration: In Tepla Hora (Carpathians), we established water collection systems and rainwater harvesting linked to a mountain stream. In Chmyrivka (Cherkasy region), a 4-hectare lake cascade and watershed system is under construction to restore local wetlands. In Vasylivka, the Samara River channel was cleared along 100 meters to revive water flow. Grazing-based regeneration: In Bhumі and Balyky, eco-farms are using managed grazing of goats and cows to regenerate soil, fertilize degraded lands, and create habitat diversity. Access & infrastructure: In Lahulsk Dendropark, a 3 km ecological road was built to support reforestation and conservation access. These efforts are accompanied by ecological education, community gatherings, and permaculture training, building both human and ecosystem resilience. Quantifiable Results 2000+ trees and bushes planted in 2024 5 water management systems established or under construction 4 hectares restored via lake and wetland system 100 m of river cleaned 3 km of ecological access road built 10+ active locations with 10–40 participants each 300+ people directly involved; 1000+ indirectly impacted Improved biodiversity: habitat for birds, pollinators, and soil organisms Soil & water retention improved in 5+ regions This project demonstrates how communities can regenerate nature, even under stress. It merges climate action, biodiversity care, and social healing—making every planting, every trench, and every restored hectare a step toward a livable future. Github Report here: https://github.com/maxzalevski/regenerative_lands tree planting: https://github.com/maxzalevski/tree_planting
Ecovillage Network Ukraine
Our project supports ecological regeneration and community resilience in war-affected regions of Ukraine through collaborative land restoration initiatives. Coordinated by **GEN Ukraine**, a network of 60+ rural ecovillages, we engage residents, displaced families, eco-activists, and international allies to restore biodiversity, water systems, and landscape health in diverse ecosystems across the country. ### **Community Involvement** Each restoration action is community-led, co-organized by villagers, eco-activists, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and volunteers. Participation spans all ages—from children to elders—and often includes international visitors. Local families prepare the land, maintain ecosystems, and integrate results into everyday life. In some locations, entire communities of 20–40 people are engaged during single events. Women and youth play a critical role in sustaining long-term care and education. ### **Scale & Impact** The project spans **11+ ecovillages** across Ukraine: - **Gruzke**, **Vesela Slobidka**, **Posolon**, **Zhyvy Dim**, **Kukhari** - **Teplа Hora** (Carpathians) - **Vasylivka** (Dnipro region) - **Chmyrivka** (Cherkasy region) - **Bhumі** (Mykolaiv region) - **Balyky** (Kyiv region) - **Lahulsk** Dendropark (southern Ukraine) Together, these locations represent a powerful grassroots effort to regenerate degraded lands, support biodiversity, and respond to climate challenges—despite war-related disruption. ### **Activities & Approach** Our approach combines **ecological restoration** with **community empowerment**: - **Tree planting**: Over 700 trees and shrubs planted across multiple sites (linden, mulberry, pine, hazel, rhododendrons). - **Water system regeneration**: - In **Tepla Hora** (Carpathians), we established water collection systems and rainwater harvesting linked to a mountain stream. - In **Chmyrivka** (Cherkasy region), a **4-hectare lake cascade** and watershed system is under construction to restore local wetlands. - In **Vasylivka**, the **Samara River channel was cleared** along 100 meters to revive water flow. - **Grazing-based regeneration**: - In **Bhumі** and **Balyky**, eco-farms are using managed grazing of goats and cows to regenerate soil, fertilize degraded lands, and create habitat diversity. - **Access & infrastructure**: - In **Lahulsk Dendropark**, a **3 km ecological road** was built to support reforestation and conservation access. These efforts are accompanied by ecological education, community gatherings, and permaculture training, building both human and ecosystem resilience. ### **Quantifiable Results** - **2000+ trees and bushes** planted in 2024 - **5 water management systems** established or under construction - **4 hectares** restored via lake and wetland system - **100 m** of river cleaned - **3 km** of ecological access road built - **10+ active locations** with 10–40 participants each - **300+ people** directly involved; **1000+ indirectly impacted** - **Improved biodiversity**: habitat for birds, pollinators, and soil organisms - **Soil & water retention** improved in 5+ regions This project demonstrates how communities can regenerate nature, even under stress. It merges climate action, biodiversity care, and social healing—making every planting, every trench, and every restored hectare a step toward a livable future. Github Report here: https://github.com/maxzalevski/regenerative_lands tree planting: https://github.com/maxzalevski/tree_planting