Save the Carpathian Forest

Svydovets, one of the most pristine forest landscapes in Europe, is to be destroyed by a mega ski resort. The mountain massif in the Ukrainian Carpathian Forest is home to 93 endangered animal and plant species and serves as a water reservoir for the region. Primary beech forests — protected by UNESCO —can be found in the immediate vicinity of the planned ski resort. The consequences would be fatal for the fragile ecosystem in the Carpathian Forest. The project would also have serious consequences for the local population, who depend on an intact forest landscape for their livelihood. The Bruno Manser Fonds supports the local environmental movement Free Svydovets with an international campaign and demands that the Ukrainian government protects this unique natural landscape!

The project is currently in the planning phase and a lawsuit for lack of involvement of the local population is pending before the Supreme Court in Kiev. Nevertheless, preparations for the gigantic construction project are already in full swing. At the end of 2019, Ukrainian forestry experts discovered that a state-owned forestry company had started to clear an area that had been assessed as primary forest by the WWF. The affected area is part of the zone claimed by the planned tourism complex. Other non-transparent activities on-site provide clear indications that the promoters of the project are trying to circumvent democratic control. Local activists working to protect this unique natural landscape are also under massive threat. Our research has shown that the Ukrainian oligarchs Igor Kolomoisky and Gennady Bogolyubov are behind the project. Both are involved in an ongoing court case for suspected financial fraud in the billions. More information about Svydovets and the destructive project can be found in our 50-page research report.

Visit our campaign website for further details and video material!

Further information:

BMF Report "The Svydovets Case"

Letter from ESPOO Implementation Committee, 14.01.2020

Letter from MEPs to the Ukrainian government, 20.12.2018

Statement by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, 30.07.3018

NGO letter to Minister of Environment Ostap Semerak, 02.07.2018

Letter from WSL to Minister of Environment Ostap Semerak, 18.04.2018