Environmental impact of the planned ski resort SVYDOVETS: far-reaching consequences on the ecosystems and biodiversity

The Svydovets is a mountain range located in Western Ukraine. It is one of the highest ranges of the Eastern Carpathians, with 4 peaks higher than 1700 m a.s.l. and one peak higher than 1800 m a.s.l. More than half of all glacier lakes in the Ukrainian Carpathians (9 out of 17) are located there as well as one of the key components of the transnational composite nature UNESCO World Heritage site “Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe.” Unfortunately, there are plans to build the largest ski resort in the Carpathians in this unique place. The total area of the recreational complex will cover 1430 hectares, according to the announcements made on the planned activity. 23 ropeways, 120 restaurants, 60 hotels, 390 cottages, 10 shopping centers, 17 rental equipment items, 2 bank branches, 3 fitness centers, 5 multi-storeyed parking spaces for 6000 cars, 230 km of ski tracks and 89.9 km of highways are planned to be built. In general, 93 species listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine and dozens of species of regional and international red lists will be threatened as a result of the project implementation. We insist that such large-scale anthropogenic impact on these territories that include unique habitats of rare, endemic, relict and arctic-alpine species of flora and fauna is inappropriate. Also, building Svydovets Ski Resort will violate the requirements of the national and international laws.