Representatives from Uzhhorod University also took part in the eco-event – with the support of Vice-Rector Dmytro Soima, participants were able to stay overnight at the Uzhhorod National University’s ‘Kolochava’ biobase

Clearing the banks of the Vilshansky Reservoir of rubbish – this was the goal set two years ago by the couple Olena and Roman Zhukiv. In the early days of the full-scale Russian-Ukrainian war, Roman volunteered for the front and never returned. He died a hero. Olena, grieving the loss of her husband, continues their joint endeavour and intends to see it through to the end.

The Vilshany Reservoir, or as it is also known, the Transcarpathian Sea, is an artificial reservoir built to supply the local hydroelectric power station. Two years ago, the Zhuk family went there on holiday and were shocked by the amount of rubbish littering the riverbanks. At first, they tried to clean it up themselves; they enlisted friends and acquaintances; they posted appeals for help on Facebook. Eventually, the volunteer project Chysto.de was set up, under which eco-picnics are held to clean up the Transcarpathian Sea.

“The 16th eco-picnic took place in the same area as all the previous ones. The reservoir area is vast and has been littered for over 30 years,” says the organisation’s founder, Olena Zhuk.

The environmental campaign brought together over 120 people from different parts of Ukraine, with some even travelling from abroad. “The best people always join our initiative – successful and conscientious individuals of different social status, age, gender, and political or religious views, because the environment concerns everyone. Together with such people, over the two years of the project’s existence, we have removed over 100 tonnes of waste from the shore,” says Ms Zhuk.

This time, representatives of UzhNU also joined the eco-campaign, including the Vice-Rector for Administrative and Economic Affairs, Dmytro Soima. Thanks to his assistance, the eco-picnic participants were able to stay and spend the night at the premises of the UzhNU ‘Kolochava’ biobase. “We would like to thank Dmytro Yuriyovych once again for such vital assistance. After all, in the summer we can stay in tents. In the autumn months, this is more difficult and the weather doesn’t always permit it. Families with children come along. There are many of us. Therefore, a roof over our heads is an incredibly valuable contribution for us. We left everything spotless. So thank you for your steadfast support,” say the organisers.

This time, the programme was exceptionally packed. In addition to cleaning up and sorting rubbish, participants were treated to singing and live music, an eco-lecture for adults and eco-games for children, stand-up comedy and morning yoga on the shores of the Transcarpathian Sea.

The organisation Chysto.de receives many messages calling for other places to be cleaned up, but Olena is determined to finish the job she has started. She believes that the Vilshanske Reservoir can become a site of social and environmental value, serving as an example to show that such problems can be solved.

Anastasia Labik,

a journalism student at UzhNU.

Photos by Vladislav Mazur, Viktor Dyomin and Chysto.De