Along the paths of Znesinnya Park: Excursions for IDPs

In April 2024, both more than 80 internally displaced persons and residents of Lviv had the opportunity to learn more about the local history during excursions through Lviv's largest green area, Regional Landscape Park "Znesinnya”. The events, held on April 6th and 13th, were organized by the NGO ForestСom as part of the project “ForestCom with IDPs: Forest for IDPs"  in cooperation with Regional Landscape Park "Znesinnya” and with the support of the "United Voices in Action" program by IREX.

Participants not only learned intriguing facts about the place where the ancient city of Lviv once stood, according to legends, but also conquered a challenging yet picturesque route. They visited places of historical significance, archaeological sites, immersed themselves in the atmosphere of the first pagan settlements, and got close to exposed sandstones and limestones that hold remnants of prehistoric marine life. After all, Znesinnya Park, a unique natural and historical complex of national importance, is a place where the oldest traces of our ancestors within modern Lviv have been discovered and preserved.

We are grateful to the expert from Regional Landscape Park "Znesinnya”, Anna Hirna, and the park's director, Taras Mykitchak, for the informative, intellectually stimulating, and emotionally enriching content of the excursions. We also thank the expert in environmental education and the head of the Forest Restoration Center of the NGO "ForestCom" Taras Kharachko, for the interesting discussions about the park's flora and fauna as well as their guidance in observing nature's spring awakening.

The organizers are convinced that joint public events focused on exploring Ukrainian history and culture, as well as joint outings for those who have been forced to leave their homes and local residents, will positively impact the integration of IDPs into the community and help foster common interests and establish new beneficial connections.

Participants share their thoughts about the significance of such events, the importance of attention and support, as well as the organization of leisure activities in the comments and feedback.

Victoria (Zaporizhya): "We climbed Mount Lion, where there used to be a sea beneath us. Our feet stand on limestone while our eyes rejoice in the vastness, dandelions, and the beautiful view of the former village of Znesinnya, where King Danylo's castle once stood. Now, modern Lviv's hustle and bustle is heard in our ears. We also hear a good legend about how the stone lion will awaken in the most difficult times and save the city... It's reassuring! What am I doing here? I'm connecting with friends and acquaintances, both locals and fellow Zaporizhians who have become Lviv residents. I am delighted that there are initiatives like "United Voices in Action”, Forest Therapy from ForestCom. And there are little raindrops of turbulent life."

Margaryta (Melitopol): "We experienced incredible emotions and impressions not only from the excursion itself and the location but also from the warm meeting with the organizers and park staff, as well as from meeting all the people who are here today."

We would like to remind you that the excursions in Znesinnya Park took place within the framework of the project  “ForestCom with IDPs: Forest for IDPs" aiming to promote the integration of internally displaced persons and strengthen social cohesion within the Lviv community. It emphasizes dialogue between IDPs and local residents, fostering connections with the local community through collaborative work and environmental education events.

The excursions were the first stage of the project, which involves planting 100 common oak trees. At the end of this week, we will invite the excursion participants and all interested individuals to return to Znesinnya Park to plant their own family tree. This not only contributes to solving the issue of greening Lviv but also allows everyone to leave a part of themselves in the land that has provided shelter.

This project is made possible within United Voices in Action, which implemented by IREX  with the support of the U.S. Department of State. The contents are the sole responsibility of NGO “Forest Initiatives and Communities”, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IREX and U.S. Department of State.