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.