“Green Wave” at the Eco-Forum “Arbori et urbi – 2026” in Lviv!

Representatives of our organization attended the three-day Eco-Forum “Arbori et urbi – 2026: The Tree in the Urban Ecosystem,” which took place in Lviv from May 28 to 30. The event intentionally was held exclusively offline, providing a unique opportunity for face-to-face communication, “de-virtualization,” and building strong connections among like-minded people from all over Ukraine.

The forum’s program was remarkably profound and diverse. Together with our colleagues, we joined discussions on the biological and legal aspects of protecting and preserving green spaces, the management of ancient trees, as well as urban planning and shaping a comfortable and safe urban landscape.

The forum served as a powerful networking platform. Participants included botanists, landscape designers, ecologists, representatives of local government authorities from various regions, arborists, and NGOs. Together, we analyzed challenges, shared achievements, and sought solutions to preserve nature in urban environments.

The main insight of the forum, which perfectly aligns with the values of “Green Wave,” is that it is not plants that need people, but people who need plants. That is why significant attention was paid to landscape design solutions aimed at creating barrier-free spaces within natural sites.

Engaging with the directors of botanical gardens from Lviv, Kyiv, Odesa, Chernivtsi, and the “Dykanka” Regional Landscape Park was incredibly valuable for us. Botanical gardens are first and foremost about people, who, driven by pure enthusiasm and despite tight funding, perform a monumental job of preserving unique botanical collections.

We also drew on our colleagues’ experience in therapeutic gardening. In densely populated cities, tactile contact with soil and plants, the opportunity to spend time in silence, and listening to birdsong are fundamental needs for maintaining the mental health of communities.

The botanical gardens of Lviv provided a special sense of inspiration and aesthetic therapy. They are absolutely incredible! We have already added a mandatory visit to the Botanical Garden of the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv at the end of June to the upcoming plans of “Green Wave.”

We sincerely thank Nataliia Kendzora for the invitation and the flawless organization of such an important, practical, and inspiring event! Cooperation for the green future of our cities continues.