Training Empowers Rangers at "Podilski Tovtry" Nature Reserve

The development of nature conservation in Ukraine occurs at various levels: from state policies and the creation of new conservation areas to the implementation of protection regimes within nature reserve institutions. One of the most crucial aspects is the adoption of standards for the work of State Environmental Guards in nature reserves. The preservation of natural areas heavily relies on the rangers in nature parks understanding their mission and having effective tools for their work.

The NGO ForestCom continues to provide training for employees of national parks according to a specific standard, focusing on key areas: understanding the value of biodiversity, knowledge and proper utilization of legislative frameworks, and skills in effective communication as a tool for conflict resolution and achieving desired visitor actions within national parks.

From August 7 to August 9, 2024, the training "Effective Work Skills for Inspectors of the State Environmental Guard of Ukraine's Nature Reserve Fund" took place in the National Nature Park "Podilski Tovtry." This was the fifth training session for employees of national parks initiated and organized by the NGO ForestCom.

The three days of the training comprised three thematic modules where participants received information from experts of the ForestCom: Dmytro Karabchuk, Ph.D. in Forestry, Executive Director of the NGO ForestCom; Volodymyr Yarotsky, an expert in eco-education, biodiversity research, and protection; and Maxym Vysochyn, Ph.D. in Biology, an expert in conservation practices, along with psychologist Tetyana Davydovska.

The “Effective Work Skills for Inspectors of the State Environmental Guard of Ukraine's Nature Reserve Fund” training is traditionally held offline due to the significant importance of personal interaction in the learning process. Forming a shared vision and approaches to nature conservation is vital for productive work, whether in the management of a nature reserve institution or for field inspectors.

Traditionally, the first day of the training focused on discussing the operational experiences of similar environmental guard services in the USA and European countries, as well as the importance of overall biodiversity preservation and specifically within this reserve. During the second day, participants reviewed legal regulations concerning violations of environmental laws within the Nature Reserve Fund of Ukraine and addressed situational tasks arising from legal violations on reserve premises, including drafting protocols. The final day of the training centered on effective communication skills, stress management, and methods to enhance resilience.

As noted by Dmytro Karabchuk, "It is gratifying to observe that each time we visit the next national park or reserve, we notice an increasing interest and understanding of the necessity of such training. It is crucial that all park staff, particularly the guards, grasp the value of the natural park or reserve and the reasons for its protection. For a Ukrainian ranger-inspector, it is vital to understand that their role encompasses far more than mere inspection; metaphorically speaking, they have multiple 'roles.' Among these roles are being a guardian, law enforcer, guide, first aid provider, scientist, and simply a steward. They are individuals who perform various functions to help preserve nature, care for visitors to ensure their comfort in the park, and importantly, enable them to do so lawfully.”

Notably, these sessions, crafted in partnership with the State Ecological Academy of Ukraine, fill a void in formalized ranger education. ForestCom's commitment to refining the skills of Ukrainian nature reserve professionals is a step towards enhancing conservation efforts nationwide.

🌿 Attention National Park Leaders and Staff: Similar tailored sessions are available for your institution. Reach out to explore collaboration opportunities!

This event was conducted under the "Combating Illegal Logging in Ukraine" project, supported by the U.S. Forest Service International Programs Office.

Previous publications related to the topic:

• Training Empowers Rangers at Dniprovsko Orilskyi Nature Reserve

• Analyzing State Nature Conservation Work: Khotyn National Nature Park Case Study

• Analysis of forest protection problems in nature protection institutions + training plan of rangers

• The results of the round table conference “Prospects for the development of the state protection service of Nature Reserve Fund (NRF) of Ukraine”

• How the nature reserve institutions are protected: ForestCom organises a series of webinars and a round table discussion

• A training session for Ukrainian rangers took place in the Carpathian National Nature Park