Even amid the ongoing war, Ukrainians continue to unite communities, protect nature and take action for World Cleanup Day. Despite daily attacks and the ongoing challenges of the full-scale war, Let’s Do It Ukraine has officially launched the active preparation phase for World Cleanup Day. The organization has held a series of strategic events aimed at mobilizing civil society and reaffirming that environmental responsibility remains an important nationwide priority.
All regions of Ukraine are joining the campaign through locally adapted formats based on the security situation and the capacities of individual communities. Offline activities are organized in strict accordance with safety protocols, with immediate access to shelters and mandatory compliance with air raid alerts.
The nationwide campaign began with the Leadership Academy, an intensive training and coordination event that brought together regional coordinators and youth leaders. Participants received specialized training in crisis management, safe community mobilization, and adapting environmental initiatives to the realities of wartime.
Following the Academy, the National Organizing Committee officially convened, bringing together representatives of more than 130 government institutions, civil society organizations and associations, educational institutions, media outlets, and socially responsible businesses. Participants coordinated logistical arrangements and cooperation with national and local authorities, while defining safe formats for environmental activities across Ukraine’s regions.
The official month-long countdown to World Cleanup Day was publicly launched with the traditional Star Eco-Picnic. Ukrainian cultural figures, musicians, television hosts, bloggers, and opinion leaders came together to demonstrate environmental responsibility through personal action. Participants cleaned designated beach and park areas, collected and sorted waste, and promoted a culture of cleanliness and responsible waste management.
One of the key outcomes of the event was the signing of the Manifesto of Eco-Responsible Ukrainian Celebrities. By signing the Manifesto, public figures confirmed their commitment to integrating environmental values into their work and using their platforms to promote sustainable lifestyles, conscious consumption, and wider public engagement in environmental initiatives.
Ukraine has already suffered severe manifestations of ecocide caused by the war. These include air, water, and soil pollution; the destruction of forests and natural ecosystems; large-scale fires; abandoned and burned military equipment and ammunition; landmine contamination; debris from destroyed buildings and infrastructure; and a new form of war-related pollution—kilometres of fibre-optic cables deployed by drones and left across fields, forests, and other natural areas.
Nevertheless, Ukrainians continue to foster a culture of cleanliness, develop environmental volunteering, and protect the environment. Preserving ecosystems is not only about protecting nature—it is about safeguarding our lives and health, the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we consume, and a liveable environment for future generations.
“Protecting the environment is a shared responsibility that unites people, communities and nations across the world. Today, the war continues to cause severe and long-lasting damage to Ukraine’s ecosystems. Air, water and soil pollution, large-scale fires, forest destruction, landmine contamination, debris from damaged infrastructure, remnants of military equipment and ammunition, and fibre-optic cables deployed by drones are placing growing pressure on nature and human health. Yet even in these extraordinarily difficult circumstances, Ukrainians continue to take action, unite communities and strengthen a culture of environmental responsibility. Protecting and restoring ecosystems is essential to our shared future: they provide the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we consume and the conditions necessary for life. Every responsible action matters, and collective action can drive meaningful change. There is no Planet B—let us work together to restore ecosystems and make our world cleaner, safer and more resilient for present and future generations,” said Iuliia Markhel (@jmarkhel), Founder and Head of Let’s Do It Ukraine and National Coordinator of World Cleanup Day in Ukraine.
The organizers aim to unite Ukrainians in every corner of the world and invite people across the planet to join World Cleanup Day. Collective action helps protect and restore natural ecosystems and preserve the resources on which all life depends. Detailed information, event reports, photo materials, and the latest World Cleanup Day updates are available through the official Let’s Do It Ukraine platforms:
Website: https://letsdoitukraine.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsdoitukraine
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsdoitukraineeco
Let’s make the World clean and environmentally safe together!
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