Funding sources of the actions aimed at improving the ecological status of the surface water in Don basin in 2019-2020

Recent analysis of the implemented national, regional targeted programmes and international projects showed that the total scope of investment in the actions aimed at improving the environmental status of the Don basin surface water in 2019-2020 amounted to UAH 4 281 279.104 thousand. The dominant share of the cost, specifically 77.6% came from international loan programmes and international assistance. The share of the cost from regional environmental funds was 12.45%, whereas the smallest contribution comes from state programmes37 .

International investment and technical support continue to be important resources for development of Ukraine and its eastern region. Many international organizations have been working in the east of the country after the military conflict broke out. Due to the impact of the armed conflict and mass displacement of people within the country, a significant number of organizations began working to assist victims of the armed conflict, develop civil society in the conflict-affected regions, increase social cohesion and reconciliation, restore critical infrastructure, promote economic development, entrepreneurship and employment, etc. Most international organizations working in the Donetsk and the Luhansk regions do not deal exclusively with environmental challenges, however environmental issues are to some extent addressed within other priorities and programmes.

Working with such organizations, finding new partners is a priority for state, local, production and non-profit organizations interested in full implementation of the Programme of measures and ultimately in improving the water resources of the Don basin

37 Osadcha N. et al., Overview of Programmes in the Siverskyi Donets Basin. Materials developed for the UNICEF Office in Ukraine. K., 2021.

TABLE 10.

International organizations that are actively involved in water and environmental issues of eastern Ukraine

International Development Banks

Other intergovernmental organizations

Bilateral assistance programmes

Foundations and non-profit organizations World Bank European Investment Bank

European Union UNDP United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) OSCE

UK, USA, Finland, Switzerland, Sweden

Clean Technology Foundation International Renaissance Foundation International Committee of the Red Cross ACTED “Environment People Law”

Sources: “Guardians of the Donbas Environment. The Role of NGOs in Addressing Environmental Issues of the Donetsk and the Luhansk regions”, 2021; Environmental Trends in Ukraine: Citizens’ View. Sociological Survey Report38; Materials of the Preliminary Report with an Overview of Nature Protection Programmes in Relation to Actions That Concern Water Resources; own analysis.

38 The search for international organizations engaged in addressing environmental issues in the Donbas was conducted by analyzing websites which publish announcements on donor programmes, grant contests, opportunities for NGOs and their activities, as well as during questionings and clarifying interviews with representatives of NGOs who participated in the study.