Guest Lecture

13.2.2025

A guest lecture was held at the Department of Landscape Gardening and Ecology dedicated to the scientific, ecological and educational activities of reserves.

The lecturer was Yevgenia Yablonovska-Hryshchenko, senior researcher of the Kaniv Nature Reserve of the National Scientific Center “Institute of Biology and Medicine” of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. The meeting was attended by students and teachers of all specialties of the National Scientific Research Institute of the Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. The topic of the lecture interested both students and teachers. The lecture covered key aspects of the activities of reserves, in particular their role in preserving biodiversity, scientific research and environmental education.

Kaniv Nature Reserve, established in 1923, is one of the oldest reserves in Ukraine. Its area is 2027 hectares, and it protects unique natural complexes of the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. The reserve is known for its reference ecosystems, such as hornbeam forests, floodplain islands of Kruhlyk and Shelestiv, as well as the Snake Islands, which are the remains of the left-bank pine terrace. The scientific activities of the reserve include: monitoring the dynamics of natural processes; inventorying the main groups of plants and animals; studying Red Book species; regular observations of birds, mammals and mushrooms; creating the “Chronicle of Nature” – a unique document that records changes in the ecosystems of the reserve. The ecological and educational activities of the reserve are aimed at popularizing knowledge about nature and its protection. The reserve is a practice base for students. In addition, archaeological research is being conducted on the territory of the reserve, in particular, a glade settlement was found.

Ms. Yevhenia shared her experience working in the reserve, focusing on the importance of integrating scientific research and environmental education. She spoke about the methods of environmental education used in the reserve and their impact on the formation of environmental awareness among young people.

The lecture provided students with the opportunity to see how theoretical knowledge of ecology, biology and environmental protection activities is applied in practice. The experience of working in the Kaniv Nature Reserve showed real examples of ecosystem monitoring, biodiversity conservation and environmental education.

The lecture covered a wide range of topics related to biology, ecology, history and archeology. This allowed students to see the connection between different scientific disciplines and their impact on understanding natural processes. The experience of working in the Kaniv Reserve can become the basis for future student projects, research or even volunteer initiatives in the field of nature conservation. The lecture inspired students to take a more active part in nature conservation activities.

Ms. Evhenia’s report revealed the importance of reserves in the context of the national environmental policy of Ukraine. Students understood that the preservation of natural areas is a key element of the country’s sustainable development.

We sincerely thank Ms. Evhenia for a meaningful and inspiring lecture! We look forward to further cooperation and new meetings!

Department of Landscape Gardening and Ecology