On August 23 and 24, Ukraine marks the Day of the National Flag and Independence Day — days that unite us around freedom, responsibility, and the future of our country.

For us, independence is not only about state borders, national symbols, and institutions. It is about the right to shape our own future, develop our communities, protect our land and natural heritage, and take responsibility for the country we will leave to future generations.

Clean rivers. Preserved forests. Protected areas and nature conservation sites. Sustainable development of the Carpathians. Communities with access to open environmental information. People who know their environmental rights and are able to defend them. Children and young people who explore the nature of their region and understand its value.

For us, all of this is also part of a strong and independent Ukraine.

Independence is shaped not only at the national level. It is also built within communities — where people take responsibility for the places they live, protect their natural heritage, have access to information, and participate in decisions that affect their environment and their future.

That is why environmental education, open environmental data, the protection of small rivers, forests and natural areas, responsible use of natural resources, and community participation are, for us, contributions to Ukraine’s resilience and its future.

Today, we express our special gratitude to everyone who protects and supports Ukraine.

To the members of Ukraine’s Defence Forces, who defend our country, its freedom, and the right of Ukrainians to determine their own future.

To humanitarian missions and volunteers, who work under extraordinarily difficult conditions, helping people and standing with communities where the war continues.

To environmental and nature conservation organisations, which, despite everything, continue to protect the environment, document the environmental impacts of the war, preserve natural areas, and rescue and evacuate abandoned and homeless animals.

To international organisations, partners, donors, governments, and citizens of other countries, who continue to stand with Ukraine, support our people and communities, and help Ukraine defend its right to remain a free and independent state.

And we thank every person who continues to do their part — teaching children, treating and caring for people, helping others, supporting communities, rebuilding what has been destroyed, researching and protecting nature, working and creating something new.

Because independence is not only something we celebrate on August 24.

It is the freedom to shape the future of our country ourselves.
It is responsibility for our home, our communities, and our land.
It is the Ukraine that we protect, preserve, and build together every day.

Happy Day of the National Flag of Ukraine!
Happy Independence Day of Ukraine!

Youth Public Environmental Organization “Our Home – Manyava”