On 7–9 July, the International Scientific Centre “Observatory” of the Vasyl Stefanyk Carpathian National University, established as a joint Ukrainian–Polish scientific initiative, welcomed a delegation of researchers from the University of Rzeszów (Republic of Poland), including Prof. Idalia Kasprzyk, Dr Agata Ćwik, and Dr Agnieszka Podolak.
As part of the visit, a Ukrainian–Polish scientific seminar entitled “Mountain Pasture Management in the High-Mountain Carpathians: Ecological Importance, Biodiversity Conservation and Contemporary Approaches to Mountain Ecosystem Management” was held. The seminar brought together Ukrainian and Polish researchers to discuss current challenges in the study of the high-mountain ecosystems of the Ukrainian Carpathians, the development of long-term ecological monitoring, aerobiological research, the impacts of climate change, and opportunities for implementing joint international research projects.
The seminar was opened by Myroslava Mylenka, Director of the International Scientific Centre “Observatory.” In her welcoming address, she presented the history of the restoration of the historic observatory on Mount Pip Ivan, highlighting the key stages of its revitalisation, the scale of the restoration work already completed, and the achievements made possible through many years of Ukrainian–Polish cooperation. Particular attention was given to the Centre’s current activities, its scientific infrastructure, and its future development as an international platform for interdisciplinary research on the high-mountain ecosystems of the Carpathians.
The Centre’s scientific activities were presented by Dr Uliana Semak, Lecturer at the Department of Biology and Ecology of the Vasyl Stefanyk Carpathian National University and Scientific Secretary of the International Scientific Centre “Observatory.” Her presentation outlined the Centre’s principal research areas, modern scientific infrastructure, opportunities for long-term ecological monitoring, and prospects for developing international research projects based at the high-mountain observatory.
The seminar was also attended by Associate Professors Nadiia Riznychuk and Viktor Shparyk from the Department of Biology and Ecology, as well as Arsen Kyzym, Head of the Stakeholder Relations Office at the Vasyl Stefanyk Carpathian National University.
An important part of the visit was introducing the Polish colleagues to the activities of the International Scientific Centre “Observatory”, its research infrastructure, and its unique opportunities for conducting interdisciplinary research in the high-mountain region of the Ukrainian Carpathians.
During the seminar, participants identified promising areas for further cooperation between the Vasyl Stefanyk Carpathian National University and the University of Rzeszów, including aerobiological monitoring, research on climate change impacts, joint field studies in the Carpathians, academic mobility, the preparation of international grant proposals, and the development of long-term ecological monitoring programmes.
We sincerely thank our colleagues from the University of Rzeszów for their visit, their openness to professional dialogue, and their commitment to strengthening future cooperation. We are confident that this meeting will provide a solid foundation for new joint research initiatives, international projects, and the further development of the Ukrainian–Polish scientific partnership in the study and conservation of the Carpathians’ natural heritage.
