Shostka research: nature & climate /in cooperation with "Urban Reform"/

● Location: Shostka, Ukraine● Year: 2024● Type: research of the natural environment, preliminary climate vulnerability analysis● Client: NGO "Urban Reform" Deep Eco Team: Svitlana Kudrenko, Olga Lakiza, Oleh Bykh

Images source: https://shostka.in.ua/2/

Images source: https://shostka.in.ua/2/

As a result, Deep Eco developed a comprehensive analytical report that includes:
● A SWOT analysis of the community's natural capital;● An evaluation of ecosystem services and biodiversity;● Educational materials to enhance understanding of climate change challenges.
This document provides a solid foundation for local authorities to make informed decisions, plan strategic development, and educate the public on environmental issues. It will also support the creation of biodiversity conservation measures aligned with European standards.
The Shostka project demonstrated that nature is an active participant in a community's economy. This marks the beginning of a transformative journey toward sustainable regional development.

In 2024, the Deep Eco team joined an ambitious project — shaping the strategic vision for the development of the city of Shostka. Our mission was both profound and significant: to assess the state of the community's natural capital, particularly its protected areas, and to identify their potential to enhance residents' well-being.
This was an important experience for the region. For the first time, an inventory of ecosystem services provided by Emerald Network sites was conducted, focusing on the needs of various stakeholder groups. This approach offered a fresh perspective on protected areas: not merely as isolated natural spaces but as integral components of local prosperity. For instance, forests are not just picturesque spots for leisure but also vital economic assets. Annually, 1 ha of healthy forest ecosystems deliver services valued at 150 million UAH, ranging from air purification to climate regulation.

We also analyzed agroecosystems, which occupy 60% of the community's land. While they are a critical food source, they also contribute to the degradation of natural ecosystems, which provide a far broader range of ecosystem services. Often invisible yet invaluable, wild ecosystems offer services like water purification, flood protection, carbon sequestration, and pest control, which remain underappreciated.

Using GIS analysis, we conducted an in-depth assessment of forest conditions, selected biodiversity parameters, key ecological challenges, and pressures on the natural environment. Our findings were revealing: while the city’s green network preserves ecological resilience, it requires protection and strategic management.

A significant part of our work focused on climate-related risks. We identified urban heat islands and areas vulnerable to potential flooding — critical insights for community climate adaptation efforts.

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The project was implemented by NGO "Urban Reform" and NGO "Street Culture Okhtyrka" with the support of the Okhtyrka City Council.