29 September 2020 - First Wildlife Pavilion is being established in Ivano-Frankivsk region

The Tourist Association of Ivano-Frankivsk Region started construction works to establish an outdoor forest wildlife education area – Wildlife Pavilion – near Vyhoda village of Ivano-Frankivsk Region. The works are carried out within the project "Carpathian Forest Schools - Pilot Cooperation for Nature Conservation and Environmental Education" implemented by the Association in partnership with the Administration of Maramures Mountains Nature Park, Dolyna district state administration and Vyhoda Village Council.

The project supports forest preservation practices in the Carpathian cross-border area by enhancing environmental education through Forrest School activities and raising awareness of local communities on the value of forest biodiversity conservation and protection of unique Carpathian mountain ecosystems. The project will also pilot two Forest Schools – environmental education centres on both sides of the border – that will interpret the nature and conservation work around.

Wildlife Pavilion will contain an interactive replication (enlarged model) of natural environment (tree trunk or soil layer of swamp, which reflects all related species of flora and fauna). The model will be placed in the inner part of the pavilion. It will become an interactive learning platform for the youngest participants of the Forest School, as well as for the visitors of Heritage Centre and anyone interested.

Wildlife learning areas to be established around the protected sites in Vyhoda forestry are to raise awareness and provide mechanisms for biodiversity conservation in Ivano-Frankivsk region through environmental education and sustainable nature protection management, in particular to strengthen the interactive educational component of the Forest School and increase the quality and profile of environmental education outdoors as an essential tool in shaping responsible attitude towards biodiversity conservation.

Creation of an open educational space on wildlife aims to improve the quality and level of learning in natural environment, as well as formation of responsible nature conservation attitude. Such space will be an organic addition to already popular attraction of the region - Vyhoda Narrow Gauge Railway Heritage Centre reconstructed within a project financed within the 2007-2013 Programme period.

Project duration - 24 months (October 1st, 2019 – September 30th, 2021). EU contribution - 605,100.15 €