Carpathian National Nature Park
The Carpathian National Nature Park (CNNP) is a non-profit, environmental, recreational, cultural, educational, scientific and research institution of the national importance and belongs to the protected areas of Ukraine. The CNNP is the first national park of Ukraine/ It was established in1980 with the aim to preserve natural complexes of Chornogora and Horhany mountain ranges which represent ecological, historical and aesthetic value for scientific researches to create conditions for recreation, health improvement as well as to create awareness on nature protection and ecological education.
The area of the CNNP totals 51570.80 thousand hectares within the altitudes of 500 to 2061 meters above the sea level. The highest Mount of the CNNP is Hoverla (2061 m) which is called “Ukrainian Mecca”. 1105 species of high vascular plants grow in the park. They form 94 families and 420 different varieties. 95 species of flora have been entered into the Red Book of Ukraine and 4 species – to the Europenian Red List, 3 species – to the IUCN Red List, 2 – to Bern Convention. About 60 relict species grow in the park.
Forests are the biggest treasure of the CNNP. There are three forest-forming species: spruce – 77%, fir – 4% and beech – 10%. Pine, cembra pine, horn beam, alder and others can be also found. The virgin forests age is from 170 to 220 years and are of great value to the region and cover 4% of the total forest area. The animal world of the CNNP is rich with various species. About 200 species of Vertebrate animals were registered here, among them 9 Fish species, 10 Amphibia species, 6 Reptilies species, 110 Birds species, 53 Mammals species. The Invertebrates are the most numerous group of the animals (about 600 species). Many rivers and streams start and flow through the hills of the Carpathians uniting into the Prut River, the main waterway of the CNNP. There are many rapids and waterfalls on the Prut River and its tributaries. There are two high-attitude lakes of glacial origin – Nesamovyte and Maricheyka. There are more than 500 mineral springs in the park.
Two CNNP sites were included to the List of Wetlands of International Importance (the “Ramsar List”). The unique geographical location, mountainous relief, scenic landscapes, variety of natural resources of the CNNP creates great opportunities for recreation. The park provides visitors with tourist trails with the total length of 400 km. Eco-Tourism Visitor Center of the CNNP is an information center that includes natural, historical and ethnographical components as well as ecological education. CNNP is a partner of many NGOs, academic institutions, state authorities and business representatives. Numerous of very important nature protection and social projects have been implemented.
