As part of the implementation of the international scientific and practical project “Development of Organic Farming: Preserving Biodiversity and Overcoming the Consequences of Ecocide,” a working visit of representatives from Sumy National Agrarian University to the Republic of Lithuania took place.
The SNAU delegation consisted of Yurii Danko, Vice-Rector for Research and International Activities, Olena Nifatova, Professor at the Department of Marketing and Logistics, and Kseniia Bliumska-Danko, Associate Professor at the same department.
A key element of the visit was the discussion with Lithuanian partners of the developed roadmap, “An Organic Step Toward Overcoming Ecocide.” This roadmap focuses on restoring degraded soils, preserving agrobiodiversity, and implementing organic practices as tools for ecological and economic resilience in rural areas.
The roadmap combines scientific approaches, practical experience of organic operators, and sustainable development policy tools that are relevant for both Ukraine and the European Union. During the meetings, the parties planned to hold a round table with representatives of organic and conventional farming sectors.
The purpose of the event is to build a professional dialogue, exchange best practices, and develop joint solutions for the ecological restoration of agricultural areas, particularly in the context of post-war transformation.
Special attention during the visit was paid to the communication component of the project. Work is currently underway on the preparation of analytical and informational materials for European media to increase international visibility of Ukrainian scientific achievements and draw attention to the problem of ecocide in the agricultural sector.
An important highlight of the visit was the meeting with Professor Tomas Baležentis, representative of the Lithuanian Centre for Social Sciences, Institute of Economics and Rural Development. During the professional discussion, the parties outlined prospects for further scientific cooperation, including joint research on sustainable rural development, the economics of organic production, and the preparation of international publications and project proposals.
Sumy National Agrarian University continues to expand its international partnerships and reaffirms its role as a scientific centre that integrates education, research, and practical solutions for the restoration of agricultural areas, preservation of biodiversity, and development of organic farming in Ukraine and across Europe.
