The beginning of this story traces back to ancient times when Ukrainians were truly close to nature. It was their home, inspiration, and the foundation of life, always rewarding humans for their care with its riches. People not only nurtured a love for everything around them but also immortalized this inseparable connection with nature in cultural creations.

Today, Ukraine is grappling with the destructive aftermath of war — threatening not just lives but also our environment, culture, and national identity. Yet, knowing our true selves ensures we never lose sight of who we are. Join us on an exploration of the Ukrainian Universe. Embrace the courage to reconnect with your nature!

Ancient Ukrainian Christmas carols recount a time when “there was neither sky nor earth, only the blue sea,” with a solitary tree emerging from its depths. To fashion the land, mythical birds delved into the depths of the primal waters, retrieving sand to the surface. Thus, the world was birthed, its existence inexorably entwined with the harmonious interplay of water, land, flora, and fauna.

This strong connection is vividly illustrated by natural ecosystems, whose vitality and resilience hinge upon the delicate balance of their constituent parts. Ukraine stands as a veritable treasure trove of biodiversity, harboring 35% of Europe’s biological wealth. Safeguarding and responsibly stewarding these ecosystems is paramount for sustainable development and prosperity not only in Ukraine but also throughout the continent.

Water holds a special place in Ukrainian tradition, woven into numerous rituals and imbued with a plethora of folk beliefs and customs. Since ancient times, it has been revered as the very essence of life, a sentiment that resonates strongly even in contemporary understanding. In the verses of pre-Christian carols, we encounter references to the “primal river” — the Danube. Scholars suggest that this term was used by Ukrainians to denote all rivers.

The Danube continues to hold great significance for us today. Its basin spans 19 countries, forming one of the largest deltas in Europe. Hundreds of fish species inhabit the Danube, but particular attention is drawn to sturgeon — fish that have existed since the time of the dinosaurs. Unlike their contemporaries, these long-lived fish have successfully endured geological epochs. However, today they face another danger: war poses additional threats, not only to the Danube Delta but also to other water ecosystems in Ukraine. Water cannot be a weapon; it is the foundation of life.

Throughout history, Ukrainians have held a deep reverence for forests, celebrating their majesty in springtime songs. Ancient folklore texts have passed down their age-old name — “shum-shumliachyi” (“the rustling groves”). Individual trees were also honored: the Tree of Life intricately embroidered on traditional ‘rushnyk’ towels, and the Heavenly Tree woven into wedding rituals. Yet, the most vibrant celebration of trees emerges during the Green Holidays — a series of summer festivities dedicated to nature, now recognized as the Christian holiday of Trinity.

The primeval forests of the Carpathians and the natural forests of Polissia stand as Ukraine’s oldest forest ecosystems, shaped over centuries. Unaffected by human intervention, they remain impossible to replicate in modern times. Forests play a vital role in the planet’s climate regulation, air purification, water quality improvement, and provide essential resources for life, while also serving as recreational havens. Ukraine’s restoration efforts should prioritize safeguarding these ecosystems and expanding areas of climate-resilient forests.

The diversity of Ukraine’s animal kingdom is astounding, as is the range of zoomorphic motifs in folk art. Ukrainians have always held animals in high regard — for instance, they sanctified them with holy water. Animals were the first to receive kutia, a traditional dish during Christmas celebrations.

Today, special attention is required for animal species facing extinction or vulnerability. These include sturgeon fish species, European bison, brown bears, and Eurasian lynxes. Due to warfare, they, like other animal species, are losing their habitats — the environments they depend on for survival. Military actions impede their free movement and natural migration, potentially leading to their demise. We may be the last generation capable of preventing this. Our current objective is not only to restore Ukraine’s natural environment to its former state but also to forge a future where humans coexist harmoniously with it.

The splendor of nature has long served as a wellspring of inspiration for Ukrainians. Consider our folk paintings: vibrant landscapes, lush forests, verdant fields, expansive steppes, and tranquil lakes. These scenes embody the essence of the ‘Ukrainian paradise.’

For Ukrainians, places of inspiration, and even more so — places of power — are the natural parks and reserves. Despite encompassing a mere 6.8% of the country’s landmass, the Nature Reserve Fund of Ukraine harbors its most precious treasures. Here, the richness of natural ecosystems, along with the diversity of flora and fauna, remains exceptionally preserved. However, like any heritage, it requires special attention. Its conservation and restoration are ongoing priorities, even amidst times of war. After all, nature isn’t merely a part of our past or present — it profoundly shapes our future.

Ukrainians have cultivated their love for freedom amidst the embrace of nature. This deep connection often finds expression in the intricate floral and animal motifs in various traditional elements of attire, such as embroidered shirts, as if drawing them closer to the very essence of the “Ukrainian spirit.”

In the rich tapestry of folk art, everything finds representation, yet perhaps most cherished is the boundless vitality and profound affection for all that surrounds humanity. Consider the enduring power of folk tradition, persevering through the ages despite adversity. It stands as the strongest bond uniting people into a cohesive nation. Thus, let our reverence for nature and its post-war regeneration serve as a unifying force in our journey toward forging a better Ukraine.