Stokhid-Nobel
Situated near the village of Zaozer'ya, this wooded sand dune complex near Lake Zadovzhe forms part of Nobelskyy National Nature Park. Owned entirely by the state park institution, the territory combines nature conservation, tourism and sustainable forestry functions. To safeguard local biodiversity, project actions focus on two key sandy sub-sites in the Rivne region: Nevelyatyn and Loknytske forestry.
Nevelyatyn
Located northwest of Mlyn village, the Nevelyatyn sub-site serves as a vital sanctuary for open sand vegetation and a highly vital population of Jurinea cyanoides spanning over 0,20 ha. The site features dune communities dominated by Corynephorus canescens, Koeleria glauca and lichens, bordered by pine, birch and scattered oak woodlands. The area supports multiple regionally protected species - such as Gypsophila paniculata and Campanula persicifolia - alongside rare wetland flora (Dactylorhiza incarnata, Iris sibirica) in adjacent marshy pockets.
The primary threats to the site include climate-induced drought and gradual natural succession by encroaching trees and shrubs.
Loknytske Forestry (Zaozer'ya)
The Loknytske forestry sub-site encompasses a sand dune habitat on the edge of a pine forest bordering a forest road. Covering more than 0,05 ha, it protects three distinct clumps of Jurinea cyanoides alongside psammophytic species like Helichrysum arenarium and Dianthus borbasii. Key ecological threats stem from prolonged drought, natural scrub encroachment, recreational pressure from visitors to Lake Zadovzhe and potential disturbances from timber transport.
Planned Actions
Across both sub-sites, project activities will evaluate genetic diversity, track population dynamics, assess overall habitat quality and monitor pollinator presence. In addition, citizen science campaigns will be launched to engage local communities and visitors in protecting these rare Ukrainian dune ecosystems.
Project partners
Financing
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.