Bohdan Krasavtsev is Head of the Bukovel Sustainability Office, Chair of the NGO "Econation", and author of children’s books on environmental protection.
— Bohdan, welcome! Bukovel opened its Sustainability Office in early 2025. What are its core objectives?
— The main mission of the Sustainability Office is to guide Bukovel’s transformation into a certified tourist destination aligned with the international Green Destinations standard. This requires compliance with 84 sustainability criteria, covering areas such as energy use, sustainable mobility, governance practices, water resource management, air and water quality, waste handling, protection of landscapes and biodiversity, preservation of cultural heritage, climate adaptation, social inclusion, and local well-being.
— What concrete steps have already been taken to reach this goal?
— We’ve installed air quality monitoring sensors and conducted assessments of noise and light pollution. A waste sorting program is set to launch soon. In addition, eleven of our hotels and the NUMO restaurant have already received international Green Key certification. In May, Bukovel also joined the Climate Friendly Travel initiative to support CO₂ reduction and promote renewable energy. One early result of this commitment is the installation of solar panels on the roof of Parking Lot No. 1.
— Could you elaborate on the Green Key certification process?
— The Green Key label is awarded to tourism facilities that meet rigorous sustainability criteria. To earn certification, hotels and restaurants must prepare documentation, adopt an environmental policy, and initially comply with at least 70% of the program’s benchmarks. They must also develop an action plan to meet 100% of the standards over time. The program evaluates 60 key areas, including environmental management, resource efficiency, and raising awareness among guests and staff.
— Is there staff training on sustainable tourism practices?
— Yes. We recently organized a comprehensive training session for the leadership teams of Bukovel's core departments. The agenda focused on sustainability and responsible tourism. Participants included representatives from the MAVKA water park, NUMO restaurant, Hutsul Land ethnopark, and the Polianytsia local council. We also hosted a team screening of the environmental documentary In the Name of the Tysa, which raises awareness about plastic pollution in the Carpathians. These kinds of events help foster a shared vision and build stronger engagement within the team.
— How is the local community responding to these efforts? Is there cooperation with local authorities?
— Cooperation with the community is essential. We work closely with the Polianytsia municipality, sharing plans and ideas on a regular basis. The community is genuinely invested in sustainability – our initiatives directly impact local quality of life. For example, our education program Sustainability for Children has already included two classroom sessions at the local school, where we donated environmental books and an insect hotel. In June, children of military families from the area enjoyed a special day at the MAVKA water park to mark the end of the school year. We organized creative workshops, flash mobs, bubble shows, and more. Maintaining open dialogue with the community is one of the cornerstones of our long-term sustainability strategy.
— What challenges do you face in implementing green practices at such a large resort?
— The greatest challenge is changing mindsets – among both visitors and staff. Our goal is to ensure that sustainable habits become second nature, not just a checklist. Soon, our new waste sorting program will launch, supported by a reliable recycling partner. The key is public participation: people need to understand what materials are recyclable and sort waste correctly. Non-recyclables like receipts, cigarette butts, and chewing gum should go into general waste bins.
— Are there initiatives aimed at raising environmental awareness among tourists?
— Absolutely. We’ve developed educational materials on sorting waste, energy conservation, and nature protection. In the coming months, we’ll also publish interactive green content for adults and children, and plan to involve guests in hands-on environmental campaigns.
— What role do digital tools play in Bukovel’s sustainability system?
— Digital technology is a major enabler. Our monitoring systems for air, water, and energy operate in real time. We also use smart software to track energy usage and optimize logistics. All of this supports a smart, data-driven model for sustainable resort management.
— And finally, what is your vision for Bukovel in 2035?
— I see Bukovel as a vibrant, green, all-season resort – one of the most recognizable destinations in Europe and beyond. A place that proudly represents Ukraine on the global stage. Looking at what we’ve already achieved, I feel both proud and inspired for what’s still ahead.