Summary of Regenerative Activities: Rewilding for Eco-villages Grant Project
Project Overview:
The "Rewilding for Ecovillages and Eco-villages in Ukraine" project focuses on revitalizing and conserving natural environments through educational endeavors within eco-villages. The initiative will set up informational displays about local flora, fauna, and the significance of rewilding for biodiversity conservation and local development.

**Problem Statement:**
The project addresses the general lack of awareness among local communities about the value and potential of their natural resources, which leads to suboptimal utilization and preservation. Key challenges include:

Low Awareness: Insufficient knowledge about the benefits of biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Lack of Education: A dearth of educational programs on rewilding, birdwatching, and thematic tourism.
Economic Misunderstandings: Underappreciation of the economic advantages of natural resource conservation compared to traditional land-use practices like agriculture and logging.

**Comparative Analysis:**
The project draws contrasts between traditional revenue-generating activities and sustainable practices:

**Cereals vs. Carbon Offsets:** Long-term financial benefits of carbon offsets compared to cereal farming.
**Logging vs. Forest Protection:** Economic gains from sustainable forestry against those from logging.
**Intensive Agriculture vs. Water Conservation:** Profitability of berry farming versus benefits of maintaining water bodies for community use.

**Objectives:**

Develop and implement educational and informational campaigns to increase local understanding and appreciation of natural resources.
Establish informational stands in various eco-settlements detailing local biodiversity.
Foster community involvement through educational initiatives and the promotion of thematic tourism and carbon economy models.

**Mission and Vision:**

Mission: Enhance public awareness and engagement in the conservation and restoration of natural ecosystems.
Vision: Support the sustainable development of eco-villages and eco-stations by fostering collaboration among communities, experts, and authorities.

**Implementation Locations and Key Activities:**

Chmyrivka: Set up biodiversity and water conservation stands near two dams.
Svitankove: Establish birdwatching points and informational stands by a large lake.
Zeleni Kruchy: Develop a pedestrian zone around a lake with educational stands.
Omelyanivka: Create an eco-trail and a stand near a conserved forest.
Kolo Forest: Install biodiversity information stands on festival grounds.
Space of Love: Build an eco-trail and a river crossing in a landscape reserve.
Kuyalnyk: Design stands, birdwatching points, and eco-routes.
Participant Involvement:
Experts from the Ukrainian Nature Conservation Group and Rewilding Ukraine, local enthusiasts, and media are involved to ensure comprehensive community engagement and successful implementation.

Methods and Timeline:

Formation of a coordination group to design stand layouts.
Collection and development of local biodiversity data for informational materials.
Centralized production and distribution of materials, with installations completed within 3-5 months.
Key Figures and Links:

Maksym Zalevskyi, Iryna Kazakova, and Camilla Nielsen-Englyst are among the noted team members, contributing their expertise to the project's success.
This summary encapsulates the essential elements and strategic actions planned under the grant project aimed at rewilding and community education within eco-villages