As part of the implementation of the Interreg NEXT Poland-Ukraine 2021-2027 Program project “Protection of biodiversity of the cross-border territories of Ukraine and Poland from invasive populations of borscht (Heracleum)”, on December 30 of this year, as previously announced, the transfer of specialized equipment to the first three territorial communities of the Lviv region took place. Turkivska, Strilkivska and Borynska communities received SPIKE TK 904 tractors with a capacity of 90 hp. with a YTO turbodiesel engine, certified in Ukraine; mowers – shredders from Lithuania STARK KDL 180 + Profi and double-hull plows with a front plow for mechanical destruction of Sosnovsky’s borscht. This will make it possible to carry out systematic treatment of the affected lands and significantly increase the effectiveness of the fight against a dangerous invasive plant. The main partner of the project is the Lviv Agrarian Chamber, which coordinates its implementation, ensures interaction between communities, authorities and international partners. Leaders of territorial communities that received equipment and attachments this year emphasize its practical value. In particular, Mykhailo Shkitak, the head of Borynska TG emphasized: “Implementation of the project will allow the community to significantly reduce the area of ​​borschivna distribution and return the land to full use. This is important for the development of tourism and for the restoration of biodiversity in our region. In this difficult time for the state, it would be impossible to purchase such expensive equipment on one’s own. Thanks to the initiative of the Lviv Agrarian Chamber and the Department of Agro-Industrial Development of the Lviv Oblast, it was possible to attract an EU grant for Ukraine for more than 800,000 euros.” Mykola Drozd, head of Strilkivska TG, shared his opinion: “Bosphorus is a threat to people’s health and leads to land degradation. The obtained technique makes it possible to move to a systematic and effective struggle.” Yaroslav Parashchych, the head of the Turkivska TG emphasized: “The received equipment will allow us to take a comprehensive approach to the destruction of borschivka – plow, mow and prevent it from sprouting again.” The practical result is obvious. The consistent transfer of inventory, means of protection and specialized equipment is an important element of project implementation. It is aimed at protecting the health of the population, preserving biodiversity, and stopping the spread of Sosnovsky borscht in the cross-border territories of Ukraine and Poland. Guarantees from the Lviv Regional Military Administration and participation in the co-financing of the project allowed the communities to join the international initiative and get real tools to combat the invasive plant. Such cooperation gives a tangible result and strengthens the capacity of territorial communities.

The practical result is obvious. The consistent transfer of inventory, means of protection and specialized equipment is an important element of project implementation. It is aimed at protecting the health of the population, preserving biodiversity, and stopping the spread of Sosnovsky borscht in the cross-border territories of Ukraine and Poland.

Source. Lviv Agrarian Chamber