At the beginning of July the site assessment in Zacharovanyy Kray National Park was completed!
Second verification trip to Zacharovanij Kraj NP, Ukraine focused on filling the information gaps and missing information necessary to finalize verification report developing by EWS verifiers.
Three days work (meetings and field trips) helped to gather information and clarify situation in the park wilderness zone regarding size and potential enlargement. Overnight trip helped to better understand light and noise pollution and also intensity of tourism use in the middle of summer.
One European Wilderness Society auditor supported by Zacharovanyy Kray National Park Deputy director and park ranger covered a large area of Synyavka Valley, hiking to the top of the highest peak of the area Buzora (1005 m a.s.l.), spent the night in the trail crossing named Tri Vody. Second rainy day group shortly visited peat bog (wilderness/core zone) met local park rangers and walk down to the village Ilnitsia in a heavy rain.
The second trip provided all missing information and help to better understand complexity of wilderness conservation in this park. The final conclusion and the report will be finalized in the coming weeks.
A wild hike through Europe!
You all have accomplished so much this summer. Keep up the great work!