Vasyl Stefanyk Carpathian National University is actively involved in social initiatives aimed at sustainable development, environmental education, and supporting youth leadership. The university’s students not only gain academic knowledge but also bring to life their own ideas that positively impact local communities and the environment.
One such opportunity was participation in the international grant program Move On, implemented by the Youth Empowerment Program Ukraine with the support of SHL Germany. The program’s goal is to empower active young people, strengthen their leadership and volunteering skills, and support them in developing and implementing social and environmental initiatives.
Among this year’s winners is the project “Improvement of the Ecological Trail to the ‘Maidens’ Tears’ Waterfall”, presented by students of the Department of Biology and Ecology — Kateryna Zdinyuk and Valentyna Semchuk (educational program “Secondary Education: Biology and Human Health”).
The scientific leader of the project is Tetyana Mykytyn, Associate Professor of the Department of Biology and Ecology, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences.
This volunteer-based initiative aims to preserve natural heritage, promote ecotourism, and foster environmental awareness among youth. Its main goal is to make the hiking route to the waterfall safe, comfortable, and educational while preserving the natural landscape.
To receive the grant, the students successfully completed three stages:
- application submission and preliminary selection;
– online training and project defense;
– final training in Kyiv and presentation of the grant proposal before the jury.
The result — first place among all submitted initiatives!
The Department of Biology and Ecology of the Carpathian University, the Dniester Regional Landscape Park, as well as the head of the village of Isakiv, Mykhailo Moroz, joined the project. 

On October 28, the team carried out the practical implementation of the project, which included:
• cleaning the area and improving the site around the waterfall;
• installing information stands about the eco-trail, the waterfall, and bat conservation;
• engaging local community members and students in volunteer activities;
• promoting environmental education and nature conservation initiatives.
The project team plans to continue raising environmental awareness among local residents and visitors, encouraging care and respect for the unique natural landscapes of the Carpathian region.
The project “Improvement of the Ecological Trail to the “Maiden Tears” Waterfall” is another step by the university community towards sustainable development, partnership with communities, and the formation of environmental awareness among everyone involved.