Project No. 4 – “EDEM” – Hub for sustainable development in Sumy region

The territory of the village of Boholiubove, located on the right bank of the Vorskla River, has significant historical and cultural, natural, scientific, educational, and tourism potential. The area is associated with archaeological sites, ancient settlements, and fortifications dating back to different historical periods, as well as with a significant historical event — Battle of the Vorskla River, (Aug. 12, 1399), major victory of the Golden Horde (the westernmost division of the Mongol empire), over the Lithuanian ruler Vytautas, which ended his attempt to extend his control over Ukrainian lands.

At the same time, the natural environment of Boholiubove is an important component of the area’s potential. The village is located in the picturesque Vorskla River valley within the Hetman National Nature Park, covering an area of 23,400 hectares. The territory is characterised by significant biodiversity, valuable natural ecosystems, and opportunities for the development of eco-tourism, educational trails, and recreational activities.

The area’s existing potential requires an integrated approach to development and the combination of several complementary areas, including the preservation of historical heritage, environmental protection, science, education, tourism, and modern energy-efficient technologies. The lack of integrated infrastructure currently limits the potential of Boholiubove to serve as a venue for research, practical education, environmental awareness activities, cultural events, and tourism.

The “EDEM” project aims to create an integrated space combining historical and natural heritage with modern educational, scientific, tourism, and recreational infrastructure.

Project Aim

To transform the unique territory near the village of Boholiubove into a modern historical, environmental, scientific, educational, and energy-efficient complex “EDEN” and a regional tourism hub capable of attracting visitors, offering a comprehensive tourism product, and creating new opportunities for community development.

The project will combine the preservation and promotion of historical and cultural heritage with the development of science and education, environmental awareness, tourism, recreation, and the introduction of renewable energy sources.

Project Objectives

• To preserve and promote the historical and cultural heritage of Boholiubove and the surrounding area.
• To create a modern tourism space combining history, natural heritage, education, science, and recreation.
• To develop the scientific and educational potential of the area by creating opportunities for research, practical learning, environmental education, and the promotion of innovative technologies.
• To establish modern tourism infrastructure supporting longer visitor stays, recreation, and cultural and educational activities.
• To introduce renewable energy sources and energy-efficient solutions, transforming the complex into a demonstration site for sustainable development.
• To engage the municipality, local businesses, national think tanks, international partners for the development and management of the area.

Location

The site is located near the village of Boholiubove, approximately 7 km from the administrative centre of the municipality – Trostyanets city.

The territory has convenient transport connections due to its proximity to the N12 Sumy–Poltava and R46 Okhtyrka–Kharkiv highways. Its location in a picturesque natural area near the Vorskla River provides favorable conditions for the development of an integrated historical and cultural, scientific and educational, and tourism complex.

Educational Centre for Innovative Technologies and Renewable Energy Sources

Floor area: 1,656.1 m².

The Centre will serve as a space for education, scientific research, practical training, and engagement with visitors to the complex. It will include:

• educational programmes, training sessions, and workshops for children, young people, and adults
• laboratories for environmental, agricultural, and applied research
• support for innovative ideas, start-ups, and entrepreneurial initiatives
• environmental education programmes
• cooperation among the scientific and educational sectors, businesses, the local community, and international partners
• demonstration of modern energy solutions, including solar panels and wind turbines

Estimated construction cost: EUR 1,149,820.

Scientific Station and Office of the Hetman National Nature Park

The Scientific Station will serve as a platform for environmental research, ecosystem and biodiversity monitoring, field studies, and cooperation with scientific and educational institutions.

Estimated construction cost: EUR 280,000.

Hotel and Restaurant Complex

The complex will provide conditions not only for visiting Boholiubove but also for longer stays by tourists. It will include:

• a 10-room hotel
• a restaurant with 48 seats
• local cuisine and gastronomic experiences
• a space for cultural and thematic events

Estimated construction cost: EUR 1,417,500.

Equestrian Complex

The project envisages the development of a modern facility for active recreation, interaction with horses, and tourism and cultural activities, including:

• a stable for 5 horses
• an area for equestrian activities
• horse riding and educational sessions
• thematic and historical events
• equestrian performances, historical reenactments, and interactive programmes

Estimated construction cost: EUR 181,440.

Tourism and Recreation Infrastructure

The project envisages the development of:

• observation and panoramic viewpoints
• landscaped public spaces
• recreation and walking areas
• wildflower and meadow areas
• flower gardens and scenic locations
• other recreational spaces integrated into the natural landscape

Ethnographic Village

The Ethnographic Village will combine traditional architecture, everyday life, and cultural heritage with contemporary tourism and educational activities.

It will provide opportunities for:

• workshops on traditional crafts
• demonstrations of traditional techniques
• showcasing products created by local artisans
• preparation and tasting of traditional dishes
• festivals, exhibitions, and interactive cultural events

Estimated construction cost: EUR 430,080.

Modern Museum

The Museum will serve as a space for preserving, researching, and promoting the history of Boholiubove and the wider region, from ancient settlements to the present day.

The project envisages:

• a modern exhibition space
• integration of historical heritage with contemporary museum technologies
• interactive exhibitions
• multimedia materials
• accessible formats for different categories of visitors
• landscaping of the museum area and integration of the building into the natural environment

Target Groups

• Children and young people — participants in educational programmes, practical training, workshops, environmental and cultural activities.
• Local residents and community members — users of the recreational, cultural, and educational infrastructure.
• Tourists and visitors to the region — users of the integrated historical and cultural, natural, and recreational tourism product.
• Researchers and educators — participants in research programmes, field studies, educational activities, and professional cooperation.
• Entrepreneurs, start-ups, and business representatives — users of the innovation and educational infrastructure.
• Civil society organizations and municipal initiative groups — partners in implementing educational, environmental, cultural, and tourism activities.
• International and institutional partners — participants in research, educational, environmental protection, and innovation projects.

Expected Project Results

• The “EDEM” Historical, Environmental, Scientific, Educational and Energy-Efficient Complex will be established as a new hub for sustainable development in Sumy Region.
• The historical and cultural heritage of Boholiubove will be preserved and promoted, including archaeological sites, the historical landscape, and museum heritage.
• Modern scientific and educational infrastructure will be established to support research, practical training, environmental education, and innovation.
• Conditions will be created for monitoring the natural environment and biodiversity in cooperation with the Hetman National Nature Park.
• An integrated tourism product will be developed, combining history, nature, education, culture, recreation, and local gastronomy.
• New opportunities will be created for the development of eco-tourism and cultural tourism, longer visitor stays, and the growth of local services.
• A demonstration space for renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies will be established.
• Conditions will be created for community development, entrepreneurial initiatives, and the creation of new jobs.
• Cooperation will be strengthened among the local community, businesses, scientific and educational institutions, environmental organizations, and international partners.
• The foundations will be established for sustainable tourism development of the territory and the region as a whole.

Total project cost: EUR 3,458,840