Ukraїner. Ukrainian Insider 2
Bohdan Lohvynenko, Dariia Titarova, Kseniia Chykunova
21 min
7 Key Points
4.7 RateWhat's inside?
Dive into the rich culture, history, and modern life of Ukraine through captivating stories and insightful perspectives from local experts and enthusiasts.
You'll learn
1. What's cool about Ukrainian culture and traditions?2. Why does Ukraine matter in the world?3. What's unique about Ukrainian art and literature?4. How does politics shape Ukraine's identity?5. What makes each region in Ukraine different?6. How do Ukrainians stay strong through tough times?Key points
01Get to know your country better
In the heart of Ukraine, there's a tradition that's as old as the country itself. It's not just about reading up on history or memorizing facts. It's about diving deep into the culture, understanding the unique customs, and getting to know the people who call this place home. Ukraine is a treasure trove of cultural gems. Here, you'll find ancient woodworking and wool-making techniques living side by side with unique singing styles. You'll discover nature reserves that are cared for with a passion, and regions where the art of winemaking is a way of life. These aren't just random tidbits about the country. They're the threads that make up the vibrant tapestry of Ukrainian culture and identity. This tradition of learning about one's homeland isn't a solo journey. It's a group effort, where communities come together to share knowledge and experiences. This shared learning helps keep traditions alive and finds ways to blend the old with the new. The group known as Ukraїner has been leading the charge in this tradition since 2016. They've journeyed across the country, digging into local histories and businesses. Their travels have resulted in a treasure trove of photos and videos that paint a vivid picture of Ukraine and its people. With over 600 volunteers, the team embodies the community spirit that fuels this tradition. But things changed when the Russo-Ukrainian war started on February 24, 2022. Ukraїner had to shift gears, using their online platforms to share information about the war with the world. The expeditions they conducted before the war have now become precious records of Ukrainian cities during peacetime. The stories from these expeditions, conducted between 2019 and 2021, are a window into the lives of Ukrainians. Some stories have been updated to reflect the current situation, where people have had to leave their homes or take up arms to protect their country. These stories give us a glimpse into the resilience and unwavering dedication of the Ukrainian people. So, come along on a journey through the diverse regions of Ukraine. Each one has its own unique charm and a shared commitment to preserving their heritage and memories. It's a journey that will not only teach you about Ukraine but might also spark a desire to explore this beautiful country for yourself.
02Let's save and fix our environment
"Preserving Ukraine's Natural Beauty: A Call to Action" Ukraine is a country of vast natural beauty, with landscapes as diverse as they are stunning. But these landscapes are under threat. The relentless march of technology and human activity is putting our forests, water bodies, and wildlife at risk. This is a story of that struggle, and the people who are fighting to protect and restore Ukraine's natural treasures. Imagine a land the size of California, New York, Maryland, and Delaware combined. That's Ukraine. And within its borders, it's home to a wealth of natural resources. But these resources are under constant threat. Forests are being depleted, water bodies are being drained, all in the name of progress. But there are those who are fighting back. Take the Kaniv Nature Reserve, for example. It's one of Ukraine's oldest reserves, and it's home to a diverse range of plants and animals. Vitalii Hryshchenko and Yevhenia Yablonovska-Hryshchenko have spent over 30 years studying the birds and rare plants of the region. Yevhenia has even collected over 17,000 bird sound recordings. That's dedication! Then there's the Meotyda National Nature Park in southeastern Ukraine. Despite part of the park being occupied after 2014, the park workers and volunteers have worked tirelessly to preserve and develop the unoccupied territory. The park is known for its unique sand-shell layers and diverse bird population, and it continues to attract visitors with its stunning landscapes. In Bessarabia, a historical region of Ukraine, the Tuzly Lagoons National Nature Park has faced its own challenges. Poaching was a big problem until 2015, but the park's team has managed to turn things around. They've opened the area to tourists and are working to restore local wildlife populations. Ivan Rusiev, the park's Head of Science, has been instrumental in these efforts, especially in his work to restore the populations of the Saiga and Kulan, two species of antelope. And let's not forget the Beremytske Nature Park in the northern region of Sivershchyna. Here, the commitment to rewilding, or restoring the ecosystem to its most primal state, is evident. Even fallen trees are left untouched, serving as habitats for mushrooms and food for beetles. So, what's the takeaway from all this? It's simple. We need to protect and restore nature. It's a call to action that echoes throughout Ukraine. And it's a call that we all need to heed. Because if we don't, we risk losing the natural beauty that makes Ukraine so special.
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03Learn the skills of our ancestors
04Buildings are like memory boxes
05Community involvement boosts business
06Look after your family
07Conclusion
About Bohdan Lohvynenko, Dariia Titarova, Kseniia Chykunova
Bohdan Lohvynenko is a Ukrainian author and journalist known for his travel essays. Dariia Titarova is a Ukrainian illustrator and graphic designer. Kseniia Chykunova is a Ukrainian editor and translator, who has contributed to the "Ukraїner. Ukrainian Insider" book series.
