Great concern about current developments in the Ukraine-Russia conflict

The Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (HNEE), which has been involved in a wide range of collaborations in Ukraine for almost two decades, is deeply shocked by the first acts of war and the violation of international law. It is not only a momentous day for Europe, but for the entire world.

"Putin's war of aggression is a blatant violation of international law, an attack on Ukraine's self-determination and on peace and freedom in Europe. All our solidarity goes to Ukraine in these difficult times. We are deeply concerned about the well-being of the people and our local partners, with whom the university works closely in education and research," said Prof Dr Matthias Barth, President of HNEE.

HNEE sees itself as a democratic and cosmopolitan university that works on solutions for a sustainable and peaceful world. Freedom in teaching and research as well as international academic and scientific exchange are key pillars of this. However, this requires compliance with international law.

HNEE maintains several collaborations with Ukrainian universities, biosphere reserves and scientific institutions, including the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve and the Ukrainian National Forestry University (UNFU). "We will stand by our partners and friends and try to provide them with the best possible support," says Matthias Barth.

Numerous students, lecturers and employees of HNEE and the European Beech Forest Network are currently taking action to initiate help and support for the local people. A survey was created today and communicated within the university. The aim is to gain an initial picture of the willingness and ability to help. Everyone who takes part in the survey registers with their personal details so that the initiators can contact them afterwards.

The beginnings of the cooperation with Ukraine date back to 2005. At that time, students from the university travelled to Ukraine for the first time to establish contact with the biosphere reserve in the Carpathians - with success. Further regular student excursions followed. A cooperation agreement was signed in 2008 and numerous joint project activities in the areas of biosphere reserve management, cross-border nature conservation and UNESCO World Heritage Site followed. After the cooperation with the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve became known, a cooperation request was sent to HNEE on the initiative of the Institute for Ecological Economics at UNFU, with the aim of implementing joint projects and promoting academic exchange from then on. To date, hundreds of students have taken part in excursions to Ukraine. The Departments of Wood Engineering and Sustainable Economy also have contacts with UNFU and carry out joint research projects. There are now co-operations with several biosphere reserves and universities in different parts of Ukraine. Various projects funded under the ERASMUS+ and DAAD programmes underpin the partnership.

Press release of the German Rectors' Conference (HRK)

Press release of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)