13:2905 Jul 2026
Ukraine and Sweden launch major scientific project to study and preserve the Lower Dnipro’s cultural and natural heritage
Фото: Запорізька ОДА
Maria Ignatenko
The Zaporizhzhia Regional State Administration, the National Reserve “Khortytsia”, the Swedish National Maritime, Transport and Defense History Museums, and the International Congress of Maritime Museums have joined forces to research and preserve the cultural heritage of the Lower Dnipro region. In Stockholm, the partners signed a memorandum establishing the International Center for Lower Dnipro Studies “Velykyi Luh.”
According to the Zaporizhzhia Regional State Administration, the agreement was signed in a symbolic location — the Maritime Museum in Stockholm, next to the royal ship Amphion, from which King Gustav III of Sweden commanded his fleet during the late 18th-century war against the Russian Empire. The memorandum provides for the creation of the International Center for Lower Dnipro Studies “Velykyi Luh,” which will coordinate research and preservation efforts focused on the region’s unique historical and cultural heritage.
They laid the groundwork for the agreement last year, when Fred Hocker, president of the International Congress of Maritime Museums, spent nearly a month working in Zaporizhzhia. During his visit, he explored Khortytsia, studied the collection of the Zaporizhzhia Museum of Shipping, and met with Ukrainian museum professionals
The partnership has since evolved into a three-year action plan running through 2028. Under the memorandum, Ukrainian and international experts plan to implement a range of key initiatives, including:
- establishing the “Velykyi Luh” International Research Center;
- conducting international archaeological and environmental expeditions;
- carrying out continuous monitoring of the Lower Dnipro River;
- developing joint educational programs and student and faculty exchange initiatives;
- conducting research projects in cooperation with Zaporizhzhia National University;
- digitally preserving cultural heritage and securing funding through European programs.
Photo: Zaporizhzhia Regional State Administration
A separate focus of the initiative will be the restoration of Cossack chaikas. Unique surviving fragments of these historic boats, preserved at the National Reserve Khortytsia, will be studied, documented, and restored in cooperation with international partners
Photo: Zaporizhzhia Regional State Administration
The project will focus on the Velykyi Luh area, which re-emerged after Russian forces destroyed the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant. Researchers will study how nature is recovering from one of the largest human-made environmental disasters of modern times. The findings are expected to create new opportunities for scientific research and education while helping shape the region’s post-war recovery strategy
Author:
Maria Ignatenko
Category:
ПодіїСуспільство
#Ecology#Zaporizhzhia#Culture#Ukraine#Sweden
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