Joint protection of bats in cross border regions of Romania and Ukraine by raising environmental awareness in local communities

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A NEXT Romania - Ukraine

Date of latest update: 2026-09-11

Description

Description (EN):

The protection of bats has become one of today's most urgent environmental focuses, given that the extinction of these species irreversibly disrupts the ecological balance. While all bat species require global attention, European species are particularly vulnerable due to their specific life rhythms (winter hibernation, sensitive periods in a maternity colony) and also caused by human activities (globalization, construction). These activities not only eliminate the bat habitats (due to deforestation, construction) but also directly threaten the animals by destroying colonies nesting in buildings or urban parks. To address this issue, a collaborative cross-border strategy is needed, as bats migrate and settle in various locations without recognizing boundaries. This environmental project aims to solve and sustainably maintain these crucial environmental aspects across Ukrainian and Romanian borders. Building on a 5-year history of cross-border cooperation, the project draws inspiration from the success of our previous project called BAT4MAN (HUSKROUA). Over the course of 18 months, the project's objective is the joint protection of bats across 100 Ukrainian-Romanian cross-border areas, involving local communities. A comprehensive and continuous professional communication strategy will be implemented, resulting in three main outcomes: community involvement, a long-term sustainable protection plan, and widespread awareness through continuous campaigns. The project will approach the followings: Ecological education about bats in the cross-border region of Romania and Ukraine Children's creative competition in Ukraine Developing bat identification mobile application Developing a board game about bats Communication about bats and project Involving local communities by imparting good practices of bat protection Installing professional bat-boxes and owl sockets for local communities Innovatively, the project introduces a mobile application to enhance bat conservation efforts, providing an interactive platform for information dissemination. Additionally, a tabletop game centered around bat conservation aims to make learning enjoyable for children. These technological and creative tools go beyond traditional methods, engaging a wider audience and ensuring a holistic approach to bat conservation. The project builds on the success of previous initiatives, identifying and addressing critical issues while sensitizing people to the importance of bat protection. The project's success is evident as local communities requested such an initiation in the Romanian-Ukrainian target areas, making it a customized response to community needs. Thus, this project is a customized one, stemming from community needs, which is novel in the environmental field compared to other projects. This necessity of projects is not devised by an ad-hoc idea, but rather responds adequately to the requests and needs of local communities. This project offers tools accessible to all age groups (youth and adults) without discrimination, promoting playful learning, competitions, programs, exhibitions, workshops, and bat-related applications. The interdisciplinary approach integrates ecological education with technological tools and gamification, making this project unique. It combines traditional conservation methods with modern technologies, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive strategy for bat conservation. The active involvement of local communities in constructing bat boxes contributes to the long-term protection of bats, empowering communities to take direct action and ensuring a sustainable conservation approach.

Actual Achievements (EN):

In the first trimester of implementation, significant progress was achieved under several key activities, directly contributing to the project’s objectives. A 1.1 – Ecological Education about Bats in the Cross-Border Region Following a public procurement process, a service contract was signed for ecological education activities. Four settlements in Satu Mare County (Oar, Tășnad, Satu Mare, Săuca) were engaged, involving 103 participants (children aged 8–16 and adults). Activities included the delivery of five interactive educational games and a 3D bat model, combining wooden elements and original bat illustrations, designed to stimulate sensory and visual engagement. Participant lists and photographic documentation were provided by the ecological education specialist. Progress is on track toward the final target of 30 settlements. A 1.4 – Communication about Bats and the Project A communication services contract was signed, resulting in the creation of the project logo, website, Facebook page, and press release. The logo reflects the joint Romanian–Ukrainian conservation effort and was designed for use across print and digital platforms, including an animated version for online use. The website, hosted as a dedicated subdomain, is fully responsive, mobile-friendly, and SEO-optimized (146 visitors recorded). The Facebook page is active with 55 followers, 22 likes, and 2,098 views in the last 90 days, publishing content in Ukrainian, Romanian, and English in compliance with program visibility requirements. The press release was disseminated via the project website and local media, reaching over 1,265 readers (Satu Mare Online News). Under Activity A.1.1, IERS procured professional field equipment (headlamps, gear, tents) required for ecological education expeditions for bat research with youth, scheduled for future reporting periods. While the workbook for children (D.1.1.1) has not yet been developed, content planning and coordination are underway. In the area of communication (A.1.4), IERS ensured project visibility at the regional level through digital platforms and public events. The launch presentation at Uzhhorod National University attracted local media, with coverage broadcast by TV21 Ungvár. IERS published a press release and multiple online updates and produced branded materials such as roll-up banners and informational stickers. Under A.1.6, IERS organized two community workshops on bat-box construction in Berehovo and Mukachevo. These events gathered 51 participants, combining theoretical awareness-raising with practical training. IERS also developed and printed an illustrated Ukrainian-language leaflet on bat protection, which supports Deliverable D.1.6.1. These actions contributed to Output O 1.1 (Number complex awareness campaign about bats based on joint concept) A 1.7 – Installation of Professional Bat Boxes and Owl Sockets The project team procured 100 professional bat boxes, initiating the process of identifying optimal installation sites to ensure long-term conservation benefits. In parallel, IERS completed the procurement of 100 bat-boxes and 50 owl nest boxes (A.1.7) in Ukraine. These conservation structures were produced based on technical drawings and will be installed in the next reporting periods in locations identified by biodiversity experts. The procurement marks the first step toward fulfilling Deliverable D.1.7.1. IERS also actively collaborated with civil society stakeholders and local organizations, in particular, with the Volunteer Centre “Kozhen Mozhe Dopomogty” in Berehovo, the Ukrainian Bat Rehabilitation Center, and the Commission on Ecology of the Mukachevo Greek-Catholic Eparchy. These actors supported project visibility, technical validation, and local engagement. Overall, IERS’s contribution during this period supported the successful launch and visibility of the project, helped establish a network of engaged stakeholders, and laid the groundwork for key educational and conservation actions in future reporting phases. Overall Contribution The activities implemented in this reporting period have built a strong foundation for future project stages. Educational outreach supports awareness and community engagement; communication outputs enhance cross-border visibility and stakeholder cooperation; and the procurement of bat boxes provides the physical means for tangible conservation impact. Together, these actions advance the joint Romanian–Ukrainian objective of bat species protection through integrated education, communication, and habitat enhancement measures. During the first reporting period, the Ukrainian partner, contributed to the implementation of Work Package 1 by focusing on preparatory activities, visibility, and community engagement in bat conservation. These efforts complemented the actions of the Lead Partner and directly supported the delivery of several project deliverables and outputs. During the second reporting period, the project achieved significant progress in ecological education, community involvement, communication, and practical bat conservation actions across the Romanian–Ukrainian cross-border region. The activities implemented during this period moved the project from preparation and procurement phases to full implementation and visible results on the ground. Ecological education and awareness raising (A 1.1) Ecological education activities continued in Romania, involving 260 children and adults from 9 settlements through interactive educational sessions using project-developed learning tools. In Ukraine, six educational field expeditions were organized for young people, providing hands-on learning about bat habitats, species identification, and conservation. In parallel, the children’s educational publication and workbook were developed and finalized for printing and expert review. These activities significantly contributed to increasing environmental awareness among children and youth in the cross-border region. Children’s creative competition (A 1.2) The Ukrainian partner successfully organized a national-level creative competition titled “Mystical Rulers of the Night Sky,” which attracted 864 submissions from 22 regions of Ukraine and Ukrainian children living abroad. The competition and award ceremony received media coverage and significantly contributed to awareness raising among children and families. Communication activities (A 1.4) Communication activities continued through the project website, social media platforms, media articles, TV reports, and video production. One promotional film was completed, and communication materials were widely used during events and workshops. The project maintained a strong online presence and media visibility in both countries, ensuring continuous dissemination of project results and messages about bat conservation. Community involvement and conservation actions (A 1.6 and A 1.7) Community engagement increased significantly through workshops where local residents built bat boxes and learned about bat conservation. In Romania, community workshops were organized and a desk calendar about bat protection was finalized. In Ukraine, 18 workshops and a stakeholder roundtable were organized. Practical conservation actions were also implemented: 40 professional bat boxes were installed in Romania, and in Ukraine 100 bat boxes and 50 owl sockets were installed in suitable habitats. These actions directly contribute to biodiversity protection and long-term habitat improvement. Added value of cooperation The cooperation between the Romanian and Ukrainian partners ensured complementary implementation of activities: the Romanian partner focused on educational tools, communication materials, and application development, while the Ukrainian partner implemented large-scale community activities, competitions, and field expeditions. This coordinated cross-border approach increased the project’s visibility, outreach, and conservation impact, demonstrating clear added value compared to individual actions implemented separately. Overall, the project has progressed from preparatory activities to full implementation, delivering educational programs, communication outputs, community workshops, and conservation installations, and significantly contributing to awareness raising, community engagement, and bat conservation in the cross-border region.

Project outputs: Number complex awareness campaign about bats based on joint concept (EN)
A comprehensive action to protect bats in the cross border area involving local communities(EN)
Strategic plan to ensure longterm protection of bat species in cross border area (EN)

Thematic information

Innovation capacity and awareness-raising Urban development Community integration and common identity

Priority: (VI-A_Ro-Ua_1) Environmental focus across borders

Priority specific objective: RSO2.7. Enhancing protection and preservation of nature, biodiversity and green infrastructure, including in urban areas, and reducing all forms of pollution

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO2 A greener, low-carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy and resilient Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, risk prevention and management, and sustainable urban mobility

Type of intervention: 079 Nature and biodiversity protection, natural heritage and resources, green and blue infrastructure

Partners (2)

Lead Partner: ASOCIATIA E-CONSULT SATU MARE

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 895782876

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 24669445

Address: Georgescu Gabriel, 440052 Satu Mare, Romania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.ecoedu.ro

Total budget: EUR 228 552.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 205 696.80

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 22 855.20

Contractors:

Name: Fernando Sport SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 41342825
Name: Fanplace IT SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: RO31962960
Name: Alpin Service Team SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: RO40287366
Name: Asociația Multisalva
VAT registration or tax identification number: 28107253
Name: Venta Trade LTD
VAT registration or tax identification number: BG204866536
Name: Grand GSM Telonline SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: RO49610486
Name: Kiss Manufacture SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 38492490
Name: Infocenter SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: RO7559248
Name: Unicat Film
VAT registration or tax identification number: RO35200494
Name: All About Creation
VAT registration or tax identification number: 29882834
Name: Greensim SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 15886739
Name: Gaia Consult SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 18397168
Name: Gargantua Consulting SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 44221739
Name: Chiorean Company SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: RO6468389
Name: Eldanet Salix SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: RO29836218
Name: Idea Studio SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: RO13225277

Instytut Ekoloho-Relihiinykh Studii

Name: Instytut Ekoloho-Relihiinykh Studii

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 879093638

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 38369478

Address: Universitetskyi lane, 88000 Uzhhorod, Ukraine

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website (not verified): https://iers.org.ua

Total budget: EUR 163 003.80

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 146 703.42

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 16 300.38

Contractors:

Name: PE Zabolotna Polina
VAT registration or tax identification number: 3732103041
Name: PE Yurosh Vladyslav
VAT registration or tax identification number: 33523212775
Name: PE Humen-Bilanych Nataliia
VAT registration or tax identification number: 3034900120
Name: PE Koval Nellia
VAT registration or tax identification number: 2286500123
Name: PE Koliakova Vira
VAT registration or tax identification number: 3041605524
Name: PE Pidsadniuk Petro
VAT registration or tax identification number: 2859004212
Name: PE Bojko Serhii
VAT registration or tax identification number: 2309003499
Name: PE Polniuk Lidiia
VAT registration or tax identification number: 3146500367
Name: PE Motuzenko Bogdan
VAT registration or tax identification number: 2816815532
Name: PE Anbrokh Mykola
VAT registration or tax identification number: 2783607252
Name: PE Herasymovych Oksana
VAT registration or tax identification number: 3222911541
Name: PE Virag Nadiia
VAT registration or tax identification number: 2147303660
Name: PE Pavlyshynets Jurii
VAT registration or tax identification number: 3263300052
Name: PE Mendzhul Mariia
VAT registration or tax identification number: 3081516929
Name: PE Breza Iryna
VAT registration or tax identification number: 2793712269

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Institute of Ecological and Religious Studies

Joint protection of bats in cross border regions of Romania and Ukraine by raising environmental awareness in local communities

Partners and Projects info

E-Consult Association Satu mare

Joint protection of bats in cross border regions of Romania and Ukraine by raising environmental awareness in local communities

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Joint protection of bats in cross border regions of Romania and Ukraine by raising environmental awareness in local communities

Project acronym: BAT2LIFE

Project ID: ROUA00346

Project start date: 2025-03-25

Project end date: 2026-09-24

Project status: closed

Relevant linked projects:

BAT4MAN / Raising environmental awareness in local communities by joint conservation of bats in cross border regions of Hungary, Slovakia, Romania and Ukraine (HUSKROUA/1702/6.1/0021) financed by the Hungary-Slovakia-Romania-Ukraine ENI CBC Programme. (EN) | This project builds heavily on our previous BAT!MEN project. The former has a solid scientific basis (database of target species, in-depth knowledge of the problems) and a good links with local communities. The four-country project has identified the problems in the Romanian-Ukrainian cross-border region to which our present proposal provides an joint appropriate response. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 391 555.80

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 352 400.22

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 90.00%

Co-financing sources:

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Publication for children
Set of interactive education games
Collection of artworks and projects about bats
Board game about bats
Project dedicated website
Project dedicated social media profile
shortfilms
Press realese
Mobile application
Instruction and desk calendar about bat protection
Joint strategy for the long-term conservation of target species in the cross-border project area
installed professional bat boxes and owl sockets

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyDanubeRegion Our project attains strong level of contribution and coherence towards EU Strategy for the Danube Region. By its conservation impact the project will induce a better conservation status in cross-border area. By strengthen the efforts to halt the deterioration in the status of species and habitats occurring in the Danube Region the project will contribute to the Priority Area 06 “To preserve biodiversity, landscapes and the quality of air and soils”. The project is focused on the protection of common natural values trough effective cross border cooperation and thereby has a high level relevance to EUSDR. As a joint initiative and co-operation to protect biodiversity and to increase awareness regarding natural heritage in the border region the project will have a considerable cross-border added value.
Other Development Plan of the NW Region 2021-2027 (RO)
By achieving an increased capacity in environmental protection the project will contribute to the Specific Objectiv 4: “Natural environment valued responsibly” The activities of the project will initiate progress on the fields of existing environmental difficulties and support the preservation and sustainable use of common natural values in the cross-border area. By supporting sustainable use of the environment in cross border region of Romania and Ukraine the project fit to the goal of this objective. The aim of the project is in concordance with the goal and objectives of the Satu Mare County Development Strategy (RO) too. By Cross-border cooperation for protection of biodiversity and natural patrimony and assuring durable development through joint environment protection
Other Transcarpathian Region Development Strategy (UA)
Joint conservation of protected species, concrete protection activities to a long-term conservation of biodiversity in cross border area, public awareness campaign and sharing good practices to support sustainability in the program region are in concordance with the Transcarpathian Region Development Strategy. By involving a large public in environmental actions and awareness raising activities, our activities will contribute to the Strategic Objectives 4: “Ensuring the quality and safeguarding the security of environment and spatial harmony”.
Other The project contributes to the EU Habitats Directive (43/92 / EEC) ensuring the conservation and improvement of the conservation status of species of Community importance
Other Also the project are in concordance with international policies, like the UNEP/EUROBATS Agreement on the Conservation of Populations of European Bats or the aims and strategies of Batlife Europe.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 083 - Strategies and action plans jointly developed, Measurement unit:
RCO 081 - Participations in joint actions across borders, Measurement unit:

Delivered output indicator(s):

(RCO81) Participations in joint actions across borders: 1793.0

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 085 - Participations in joint actions across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:
RCR 079 - Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations, Measurement unit:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSDR

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A NEXT Romania - Ukraine

Latest month of project-partner-call data publication

2026-09

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

79 / 79 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

197 / 208 (94.71%)

Notes on the data

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Joint protection of bats in cross border regions of Romania and Ukraine by raising environmental awareness in local communities

Description

Thematic information

Partners (2)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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