The University actively supports and organizes events promoting the sustainable use of natural and agricultural resources through:
- Hosting Conferences
- The All-Ukrainian Scientific and Practical Conference, “Topical Issues of Plant Growing and Horticulture Production” (8 November 2023, Zaporizhzhia).
- Х All-Ukrainian Scientific and Technical Conference of Higher Education Students on the Results of Scientific Research in 2022. (5-20 February 2023, Zaporizhzhia).
- Organizing and participating in events (competitions, seminars, webinars, trainings):
– Participation in the “Regenerative Agriculture” educational mission in the Netherlands.
– Guest lectures “Introduction to Carbon Farming” and “Benchmarking in Agriculture”.
– Participation in the webinar “Farmers-Scientists Panel on Climate-Smart Agriculture”.
- Providing consultations and advisory services to farmers and MSMEs, communities etc. on environmental restoration.
The university has established an approved development strategy for 2023-2030. One of the key objectives outlined in this strategy ate “the development of alternative technologies for stabilizing and efficiently using the region disrupted agrobiocenoses” (clause 9.2.2); “modernization of infrastructure on principles of environmental sustainability and resource efficiency” (clause 8.2); “participation in the development of conservation and restoration programmes of the region ecosystem” (clause 9.7).
The university is committed to a policy ensuring that all food served on campus is grown using environmentally friendly practices.
- The University initiated the establishment of the Centre for Natural Agriculture “Tavria Organic”
- The university maintains ongoing partnerships to support local farmers
- The university concludes cooperation agreements with agricultural enterprises focused on eco-friendly technologies
- The university promotes and disseminates information about the philosophy of organic production
- The university ensures transparency in product origins, and involves students in growing organic products in university greenhouses, gardens and fields
- The university is introducing a plant-based menu to reduce its environmental impact.
- The university has created a programme to recycle food waste by reducing its volume and composting, which helps to reduce environmental imp act, raises awareness of students and staff about sustainable development and responsible consumption.
TSATU scientists have been collaborating with various nature reserve institutions, including Azov-Syvash National Nature Park (NNP), Azov-Syvash NNP, the Falz-Fein Biosphere Reserve ‘Askania-Nova’, and the Velykyi Luh NNP. Professor of the Department of Geoecology and Land Management, Doctor of Biological Sciences A.M. Volokh, associate professors E. Aiubova and M. Hanchuk are actively engaged in joint research on biodiversity monitoring and conservation with these institutions. O. Antonovskyi, a member of the Department of Geoecology and Land Management, is the Deputy Head of the Research Department of Azov-Syvash National Nature Park, established in 2010. With his participation and initiative, a petition and scientific justification for expanding the boundaries of this nature reserve was submitted to the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine.
Throughout 2023, the research and teaching staff of TSATU participated in assessing the effects of hostilities and occupation on nature reserve areas and internationally significant wetlands.
- Scientific and advisory meeting with the management of the Velykyi Luh NNP Tamara Yosypenko, acting director of the Velykyi Luh National Park, initiated a scientific and advisory meeting, which was also attended by representatives from the Department of Geoecology and Land Management, including Maksym Hanchuk, Viktoriia Skyba and Oleksandr Antonovskyi. The key issues of the meeting included the discussion of the current state of the park ecosystems amid accelerating degradation as well as the prospects of developing a plan of potential action plan to stabilize the ecological conditions, which aims to be implemented after the park territories are de-occupied.
- Commentary by Professor Anatolii Volokh on the threat of destruction of the Azov-Syvash National Nature Park. Professor Volokh is an experienced researcher with extensive expertise in the Azov-Syvash National Nature Park who has dedicated years to studying the biodiversity of this unique steppe area. The direct and indirect impact of the invaders’ aggressive actions resonates with Anatolii Mykhailovych on both a professional and personal level.
- Scientific interview on the appearance and spread of jackals in Ukraine. Anatolii Volokh, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor of TSATU, continues his research despite the challenges posed by martial law. In an interview with the online scientific publication Eco-Inform, he discussed the emergence and growing presence of jackals in Ukraine, stating: “The jackal is a subtropical animal, and it responds actively to climate warming and mitigation across the European continent, including here in Ukraine.”
- Professor A.M. Volokh on the peculiarities of bison in Chernivtsi region based on the results of field research: “Given that, according to the winter census of 2023, there are 33 bison living in the natural areas of the Zubrovytsia Game Reserve and 16 in enclosures, the management of the Chernivtsi Forestry branch of the State Specialized Enterprise ‘Forests of Ukraine’ has planned to release some of the captive bison into the wild. This should partially enrich the genetic fund of the existing group and contribute to the rapid restoration of the population of the endangered species, which is the European bison, in the forests of Bukovyna.”
- On 27 July 2023, the first meeting of the Commission for the Development of Strategic Directions for the Restoration of the Environment in the Kherson Region was held, chaired by Oleksandr Prokudin, Head of the Kherson Regional Military Administration (the Commission included 34 specialists, including Professor Anatolii Volokh). It discussed strategic directions for the restoration and preservation of the region’s ecosystem, which has been severely impacted by the armed aggression of the Russian Federation in Ukraine. Over 40 experts and stakeholders participated, exchanging views on measures to address the resulting environmental and economic challenges. Following the results of the regular meeting of the Commission, which took place on 7 August 2023, three primary areas of its work were identified:
– Agriculture, land resources, land reclamation and fisheries.
– Nature reserves, forestry and hunting, and water resources.
– Water supply, sewage and waste management.
TSATU has extensive experience in delivering educational programmes in Ecology at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. The curriculum includes essential educational components related to the study, research, protection, conservation, and restoration of wildlife and natural habitats. Key disciplines include Biogeography, Nature Conservation, Population and Biocenotic Research, Forestry and Forest Landscapes, Ecology of Biocenoses, Legal Support, Cadastre, and Monitoring of Protected Areas.
The list of educational components includes the following disciplines related to the study, research, protection, conservation and reproduction of wild flora and fauna: “Biogeography, Nature Conservation, Population and Biocenotic Research, Forestry and Forest Landscapes, Ecology of Biocenoses, Legal Support, Cadastre and Monitoring of Protected Areas, etc.
The educational programme of the first (bachelor’s) level of higher education develops students’ abilities to justify the need for, and create measures focused on, preserving landscape and biological diversity, as well as building an ecological network.
The programme contains additional learning outcomes proposed by the HEI:
- To develop a solid understanding of the features and patterns of population functioning, their role in the formation and conservation of biodiversity, with the ability to integrate population analysis methods to conduct monitoring studies within protected areas and ensure sustainable environmental management.
- To be able to practically assess environmental and economic losses and damage resulting from military actions; monitor and predict further changes in disturbed ecosystems; recommend adaptive measures for the stabilization and restoration of affected areas.
The master’s programme contains an additional learning outcome offered by the university:
- To gain advanced skills in conducting research and innovation activities within the territories, objects and institutions of the nature reserve fund, which enables students to apply their skills in ecosystem conservation in real-world settings.
TSATU is the only agrotechnological university in Zaporizhzhia region. The university has extensive experience in implementing bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes in Geodesy and Land Management, Agronomy, Horticulture and Viticulture. The Agronomy and Horticulture and Viticulture programmes provide in-depth training for students, focusing on modern scientific approaches to crop production that incorporate resource conservation, organic farming practices, and environmental safety principles. The Geodesy and Land Management programme is focused on training specialists capable of making informed decisions on the protection, monitoring, and restoration of land resources.
TSATU actively cooperates with the local community of Melitopol United Territorial Community, hosting a series of webinars on permaculture gardening for farmers and gardening enthusiasts to support sustainable agricultural practices.
The University undertakes educational initiatives to ensure adherence to the principles and goals of sustainable development by training specialists who have the knowledge, skills and values necessary to promote sustainable development of the territory through the educational and professional programme Tourism, speciality 242 Tourism and Recreation at both bachelor’s and master’s levels. Through professional courses such as Recreation and Recreational Complexes of the World, Tourismology, the University fosters environmental awareness and responsible management of natural resources among its students.
Through seminars and workshops, the University addresses the environmental impacts of tourism, identifying and developing measures to minimize these effects and protect natural ecosystems. The importance of cultural responsibility and heritage preservation is emphasized in the educational components Historical Ethnography, Rural Green Tourism, highlighting the importance of preserving cultural heritage, ethical aspects of interaction with local communities, and the importance of respecting local traditions, language, and lifestyle in the development of tourism products. Social responsibility and ethics in tourism are explored through the educational components Self-development and Self-regulation of the Individual, Social Psychology and Conflictology, Innovations in Socio-economic Development. A distinctive feature of the teaching approach is the emphasis on the social significance of tourism for local communities, promoting equality of opportunity, inclusiveness, and the reduction of social inequalities. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and research and teaching staff actively participate in public thematic events. http://www.tsatu.edu.ua/et/uchast-u-mizhnarodnomu-vebinari-dostupnyj-turyzm-zdobuvachiv-ta-vykladachiv-specialnosti-242-turyzm/ http://www.tsatu.edu.ua/et/studenty-ta-vykladachi-specialnosti-turyzm-uchasnyky-mizhnarodnoho-vebinaru-turyzm-jak-zasib-reabilitaciji/
Economic sustainability and sustainable enterprises management are covered in the educational components Travel Agency Economics and Sustainable Development Strategies, which align with principles of economic sustainability in tourism, emphasizing job creation, investment in local communities, and small business development in tourist regions. Topics on innovative technologies and digital solutions for sustainable tourism are included in the educational components Information Systems and Technologies in Tourism (http://www.tsatu.edu.ua/et/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/rp-is-v-turyzme-bakalavr-ekzamen-2023-2024.pdf), Economics and Organization of Innovative Activities (http://www.tsatu.edu.ua/et/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/16.rp-eoid-tr.pdf), and Digitalization in Business (http://www.tsatu.edu.ua/et/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/ok-5-rp-didzhbiznesu-mah_tr_1kurs-2024-2024.pdf), covering innovative technologies and digital solutions for sustainable tourism. The courses focus on creating tourism products that adhere to sustainable development principles. The issues of marketing and promotion of sustainable tourism, marketing strategies for promoting environmental and cultural values in tourism are covered in the educational components of Touroperating (http://www.tsatu.edu.ua/et/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/rp-turoperejtynh-2023-2024-demko-vs-1.pdf), Service Marketing http://www.tsatu.edu.ua/et/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/robocha-prohrama-marketynh-posluh-tr.pdf, and Tourism Product (Development http://www.tsatu.edu.ua/et/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/rp-stp-2023-2024-demko-vs-1.pdf). Through practical training in developing tourism products and services, students foster consumer awareness of sustainable tourism. To train tourism professionals, the university engages local communities and fosters public-private partnerships (http://www.tsatu.edu.ua/et/vykladachi-kafedry-ekonomiky-i-biznesu-uchasnyky-mizhnarodnoji-prohramy-dyversyfikacija-silskoji-ekonomiky-cherez-merezhu-hromadskyh-konsultacijnyh-centriv-turyzmu/). Combining effective cooperation of education with business, government organizations and local communities for the joint development of sustainable tourism is the primary focus of the educational and professional programme Cooperation – Department of Economics and Business (http://www.tsatu.edu.ua/et/naukova-dijalnist/spivpracja/). Practical training in implementing sustainable development strategies in tourism is a university priority, enabling students to apply sustainable development principles in real-world contexts. http://www.tsatu.edu.ua/et/mizhnarodnyj-zahid-prezentacija-kraschyh-jevropejskyh-praktyk-zaluchennja-socialnyh-partneriv-v-upravlinnja-stalym-turyzmom-dlja-povojennoho-vidnovlennja-hromad-ta-rehioniv-ukrajiny-dosvid-shveciji-d/, http://www.tsatu.edu.ua/et/molodizhni-projekty-u-sferi-pidpryjemnyctva/
The university has established an approved development strategy for 2023-2030, in the context of martial law and post-war reconstruction of Ukraine. One of the key objectives outlined in this strategy is “participation in the development of programmes for the conservation and restoration of the region’s ecosystem”, as stated in paragraph 9.7 (http://www.tsatu.edu.ua/wp-content/uploads/stratehija-rozvytku-tdatu-na-2023-2030-roky.pdf). The academic staff of TSATU actively cooperates with local nature reserves and national parks to conduct joint research and implement environmental projects. The university’s policy on the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems (applied both on research and departmental sites of the university) is implemented through various research programmes, including: 0121U110190 “The Current State of Geo-Ecological Conditions and Biodiversity of the Northwestern Azov Region”, 0121U109975 “Justification of Anti-Stress Techniques in Resource-Saving Technologies for Growing Cereals, Legumes, and Oilseeds in the Steppe Zone of Ukraine”, 0121U109977 “Development of Intensive Technologies for the Production of Environmentally Friendly Fruit and Vegetable Products in Open and Closed Ground of the Southern Steppe of Ukraine”.
The policy of TSATU activities is guided by the five-year research programme 0121U110190 “The Current State of Geo-Ecological Conditions and Biodiversity of the North-western Azov Region”, which encompasses studying, monitoring, determining the dynamics of species biodiversity, including research conducted at the university sites (http://www.tsatu.edu.ua/nauka/wp-content/uploads/sites/49/pidprohrama_voloh.pdf). Scientists at TSATU are also engaged in determining the impacts of anthropogenic activities, climate change, and the effects of hostilities on the number of species listed in the nature conservation lists at regional, national, and international levels, as well as digitalization of approaches to biodiversity monitoring for both scientific and educational activities.
Doctor of Biological Sciences, Anatolii Volokh, is an extraordinary member of the German Society for Wildlife and Hunting Research, and his scientific contributions have served as a basis for the inclusion of various species in the Red Book of Ukraine (the digital version of the Red Book of Ukraine is available at https://redbook.land.kiev.ua/540.html). Under his leadership, certain regulations of the TSATU development strategy (clause 9.7) are being implemented, and the state of rare plant species populations in the university’s research areas is being monitored.
Taking into account the notable success in the study of wildlife and game animals, as evidenced by numerous internationally published articles, several scientific monographs, and his contributions to the Red Data Book of Ukraine (1994, 2009), Professor Volokh was awarded the GWJF (Gesellschaft für Wildtier- und Jagdforschung) anniversary medals celebrating the Society’s 20th and 25th anniversaries. In 2018, he was awarded the prestigious GWJF honorary silver medal, awarded annually to only 1-3 scientists, representing the highest recognition among the society’s members.
Measures to preserve local biodiversity are integral to the university sustainable campus management plan. These include using local peat-free compost to create microhabitats through differentiated mowing, creating rain gardens and constructing insect houses. All tree and hedge maintenance is carried out outside the nesting season to minimize disturbance to local wildlife. TSATU scientists support the sustainability of biocenoses on campus, so they use only native species for landscape design. During their second-year internship, ecology students study local biodiversity and analyse the opportunities for its conservation. TSATU scientists are actively involved in developing an action plan for the restoration of reforestation and forest protection strips for potential restoration and sustainable land use within the university research sites (clause 9.2.2. of the TSATU Development Strategy for 2023-2030).
TSATU follows a Policy, approved on 24 January 2022, to mitigate the impact of invasive species on campus. This policy applies to dormitories and other university facilities, as well as the Strategic Development Plan for 2023-2030, which incorporates considerations for martial law and post-war recovery in Ukraine.
In implementing these policies, TSATU adheres to the Law of Ukraine “On the Basic Principles of the State Environmental Policy of Ukraine until 2030”, Presidential Decree No. 668 dated 17 December 2021, which ratified the decision of the National Security and Defence Council “On Biosafety and Biological Protection Strategy”, and the Action Plan for implementing this strategy for 2022-2025, approved by the Cabinet of Ministers Order No. 573 dated 7 July 2022, and the Convention on Biological Diversity.
The implementation of the Policy aimed at reducing the impact of alien species, which includes dormitories and other university facilities, is conducted in accordance with the Regulation of the European Parliament and the Council (EU) No 1143/2014 on the prevention of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species. Furthermore, the university incorporates recommendations from the Institute of Evolutionary Ecology of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) of Ukraine, the M.G. Kholodny Institute of Botany of the NAS of Ukraine, and insights from the Interdepartmental Working Group established by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine, as per Order No. 466 dated 5 July 2023.
Taking into account TSATU’s status as a relocated institution of higher education since 2022, all students who require accommodation reside in hostel No. 6 of Zaporizhzhia National University. All events are conducted within its facilities and the surrounding area.
Since alien species can lead to environmental, economic, and social problems, harming native species and disrupting ecosystems, TSATU developed a specific action plan in 2023, which includes:
- Monthly monitoring of the campus to identify alien species, with an emphasis on Monthly monitoring of the campus to identify alien species, with an emphasis on drawing the attention of students to invasive representatives of flora and fauna (cockroaches, insects, rats, ragweed, etc.).
- Organization of information sessions for students regarding the harmful effects of alien species and prevention methods, conducted during meetings and video conferences (twice each semester).
- Removal of invasive plants from the campus, particularly during the spring, summer and autumn, using mechanical and environmentally friendly methods (tillage, cutting).
- Use of chemical agents to eradicate certain invasive fauna representatives (for example, cockroaches), ensuring that these methods do not harm the environment and students. This measure was implemented in July 2023 by employees of the Zaporizhzhya City Sanitary and Epidemiological Station (CSES) of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine.
- Establishing cooperation with local environmental organizations and state institutions to obtain guidance and support for policy implementation (including Zaporizhzhia CSES, NGO “Ekosens”, and NGO “Dzyga”).
- Creating a list of potentially dangerous alien species that may appear on campus.
- Developing a regulation that prohibits the introduction of non-native plants or animals onto the campus.
The University has established a partnership programme with local authorities through the Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of environmental protection of the Azov region.
The main areas of cooperation include:
- Water, air, and waste management;
- Enhancing the effectiveness of environmental and economic tools for sustainable management;
- Preservation of valuable natural areas, biodiversity, and settlements;
- Environmental monitoring and pollution control;
- Hazardous waste management;
- Facilitating information exchange on environmental conditions.
In the pre-war period, cooperation of TSATU scientists with local authorities on a number of projects to monitor the environment in Melitopol was launched. As part of this initiative, TSATU representatives participated in a series of events, including:
- Participation in the Azov Forum for Regional Development of Melitopol Region, organized and conducted on the initiative of the Deputy of Ukraine Serhii Minko in partnership with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine, the USAID Agency for International Cooperation “Economic Support for Eastern Europe,” the Ukrainian Social Investment Fund. and the regional state administration.
- Presentation of a project to identify and establish municipal monitoring points for atmospheric air quality. The project is based on long-term observations of the dynamics of the urban ecosystem of Melitopol, the features of the landscape structure and climatic changes http://www.tsatu.edu.ua/naukovci-tdatu-aktyvni-uchasnyky-forumu-eko-smart-city-melitopol/; http://www.tsatu.edu.ua/ekolohichni-novaciji-dlja-suchasnoho-mista/
- Participation in a discussion on the effective management and use of water resources within cities and the ecological integration of water objects into the urban environment as part of the event organized and conducted by the Association of the Cities of Ukraine together with the German Society for International Cooperation “Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internasionale Zusammenarbeit (GEZ) GmBh”, which launched the project “Creation and Organization of Educational Activities for a Network of Cities for Integrated Urban Development”. The goal of the project “Integrated Urban Development in Ukraine II” is available at http://www.tsatu.edu.ua/uchast-naukovciv-tdatu-v-obhovorenni-pytan-z-ohorony-navkolyshnoho-seredovyscha/.
- Participation in the Coordination Council on Environmental Protection of the Azov region http://www.tsatu.edu.ua/rozpochala-robotu-koordynacijna-rada-z-pytan-ohorony-navkolyshnoho-pryrodnoho-seredovyscha-azovskoho-rehionu/; http://www.tsatu.edu.ua/uchast-naukovciv-tdatu-v-obhovorenni-perspektyv-ukrajinsko-francuzkoji-spivpraci-u-realizaciji-ekolohichnyh-projektiv-azovskoho-rehionu/.
Despite the ongoing war, the scientists from the Department of Geoecology and Land Management continue to advance their efforts. Associate professors of the Department of Geoecology and Land Management V. Skyba, M. Hanchuk, E. Aiubova participated in the “Environment Marathon”, which aims to highlight the environmental challenges faced by the community and work towards solutions. As a result of this initiative, the scientists successfully acquired and installed an air quality monitoring station on the TSATU campus.
TSATU adheres to the approved state standards for sustainable water consumption and has developed recommendations for students that are implemented in the educational process. It is especially important for students, who often live in dormitories or rented housing where water consumption may be less regulated, to understand the value of water.
Why is it important to save water?
- Water scarcity: In many regions of the world there is a shortage of fresh water, which can lead to serious environmental and social problems.
During training practices, environmental applicants are involved in the implementation of public monitoring of the condition of surface water masses according to hydrochemical and hydrobiological indicators.
On their own initiative, TSATU scientists monitor the quality of water used in laboratories and discharged into the sewer system. As the wastewater from TSATU campuses enters the centralized city sewerage network, the scientists actively cooperate with the specialists from this utility company to assess the impact of municipal wastewater on the hydroecosystem of the Azov River Basin, as evidenced by numerous scientific publications.
Regulation of compliance with the developed recommendations is also implemented through cooperation and involvement of TSATU scientists in professional communities: associate professor Viktoriia Skyba is a member of the public council at the State Water Resources Agency of Ukraine; scientists maintain collaborative efforts with the World Water Quality Alliance (WWQA). (http://www.tsatu.edu.ua/eons/mizhnarodna-spivpracja-vorkshop-vid-world-water-quality-alliance-wwqa/; http://www.tsatu.edu.ua/eons/8559/ ).
TSATU has developed policies and relevant recommendations to reduce the amount of plastic waste on campus. In line with European and national waste management approaches, the university’s main paradigm is aimed at preventing the generation of plastic and other types of waste.
In the university educational and scientific laboratories, a proper waste management system has been implemented to ensure safety, hygiene, and minimize the negative impact on the environment. Special emphasis is placed on the handling of plastic waste, as plastic is one of the most prevalent yet challenging materials to recycle.
Ways to educate ecological consciousness of TSATU youth.
The basic principles of our waste management philosophy include:
- Waste Sorting: All waste is carefully divided into different categories, including organic waste, plastic waste, other recyclable materials (such as glass and paper), hazardous waste (chemicals), and general waste. Plastic waste is separated into specially designated containers for further processing or disposal. The campus is equipped with containers for the separate collection of organic waste. Students and staff are taught to separate food waste (such as food residues, peels, coffee grounds, etc.) from other types of garbage.
- Plastic Waste Management: The laboratory actively minimizes the use of single-use plastics. Plastic waste generated during experiments or packaging is sorted and sent for recycling. Plastic materials that cannot be recycled are disposed of in accordance with environmental regulations to prevent their accumulation in the natural environment.
- Chemical Waste Management: Plastic containers used to store chemicals or waste are handled with special attention. After use, they are disposed of according to hazardous waste regulations to prevent environmental pollution.
- Glass and Sharp Objects: In addition to plastic, safe handling of glass and sharp waste is crucial. These materials are placed in special containers to prevent injuries.
- Recycling and Reuse: The laboratory encourages the use of reusable materials and aims to reduce the consumption of single-use plastics. Plastic containers that can be washed and reused are employed to minimize waste.
- Documentation: All waste disposal activities, including plastic waste, are meticulously recorded. This practice is essential for ensuring compliance with environmental standards and for tracking the volume of waste generation and disposal.
- Staff Training: Laboratory staff and students receive regular training on proper waste management, particularly regarding plastic materials. They learn safe methods for sorting, recycling, and reusing plastics to mitigate their environmental impact.
- Composting: Food waste is processed into compost, which is then utilized to fertilize plants in the university’s greenhouses and research sites.
- Reducing Food Waste: The programme implements educational campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of minimizing food waste. Systems are being introduced to more accurately predict food needs, thereby reducing excessive ordering of products.
- Partnerships with Charities: Edible products that are no longer needed by the university are donated to local organizations and communities to support individuals in need.
Proper management of plastic waste in the university’s laboratories is not only essential for ensuring safe working conditions but also plays a crucial role in achieving environmental sustainability. It helps reduce the negative impact on the environment and encourages the rational use of resources.
TSATU is a member of the international non-profit Global Waste Cleaning Network (GWCN). The university engages in various initiatives, including raising awareness about the negative impact of waste on the environment and promoting effective waste management practices.
In July 2023, faculty members of the Faculty of Agrotechnology and Ecology participated in a discussion on critical issues, including plastic waste management, at the Round Table titled “Successful European Practices of Zero Waste and Circular Economy Development: Prospects for Implementation in Ukraine”.
The university hazardous waste management policy adheres to the requirements of national legislation and includes:
- Identification of hazardous materials (chemicals, batteries, laboratory waste, electronics and other toxic materials).
- Safe storage (hazardous materials are stored in special containers or rooms with appropriate safety signs).
- Disposal procedures (contracts with licensed hazardous waste disposal companies).
- Personnel training (briefings, safety seminars for employees who work with hazardous materials or are engaged in their disposal).
- Reporting and monitoring (reports on the volume of hazardous waste and their disposal processes to monitor compliance with environmental standards).
The University is a signatory of the Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of environmental protection of the Azov region, among the main areas of partnership is the development of a subregional policy on hazardous waste management.
Based on cooperation and the exchange of experience, TSATU scientists joined the Global Waste Cleaning Network (GWCN), an international non-profit network consisting of non-governmental organizations. The purpose of this cooperation is to raise awareness of the negative impact of waste on the environment and to promote good waste management practices.