March 26–27, 2026, the XI International Youth Congress “Sustainable Development: Environmental Protection. Energy Efficiency. Balanced Use of Natural Resources” was held at APP. The event was organized by the Department of Ecology and Balanced Nature Management of the Viacheslav Chornovil Institute of Sustainable Development.
The congress brought together 117 participants from 12 cities of Ukraine, as well as representatives from Georgia, Pakistan, the Czech Republic, and Poland. Students, PhD candidates, and pupils of general secondary and vocational education institutions took part in the event. As a result of the congress, 308 scientific contributions were included in the proceedings.
The discussions focused on current challenges in environmental protection, rational use of natural resources, and the implementation of sustainable development principles. The congress operated through four thematic seminars dedicated to air and water protection, sustainable development and balanced nature management, as well as the development of a circular bioeconomy.
The fourth thematic seminar, “Circular Bioeconomy,” was organized within the framework of the Horizon Europe project “Excellence Hub for Smart Agriculture and Circular Bioeconomy Towards Sustainable Agri-Food Sector in Widening Countries (and beyond)” (AGRI-BIOCIRCULAR-HUB, GAP 101186869). The project aims to foster innovative approaches in sustainable agricultural production and resource efficiency.
During the plenary session and thematic seminars, participants presented research addressing pressing environmental challenges and possible solutions. Young researchers actively discussed greenhouse gas emission reduction, energy efficiency, and the development of climate-neutral energy systems. Special attention was given to the implementation of circular bioeconomy principles, including waste recycling and resource reuse.
Participants also presented studies on monitoring air quality, water resources, and soils, as well as the use of modern Earth remote sensing technologies. Discussions covered biodiversity conservation, environmental safety of territorial communities, and the impact of climate change on natural and economic systems. Particular attention was paid to the development of the green economy, environmentally balanced land use, and sustainable tourism.
Young scientists highlighted innovative approaches to the bioremediation of contaminated areas, the use of alternative materials, and the development of environmentally oriented technologies across various sectors. Presentations emphasized the role of education, science, and public engagement in fostering environmental awareness and ensuring sustainable societal development.
A key highlight of the congress was the final stage of the hackathon “Ecological Rehabilitation of Soils,” which focused on strategies for restoring territories in Ukraine damaged by military actions. The participants’ reports demonstrated the complexity of the problem, extending beyond mechanical landscape damage. Expert analysis revealed a multidimensional nature of contamination—from chemical pollution caused by ammunition detonation products to large-scale fuel and lubricant leaks.
The practical discussion focused on technological solutions for land remediation. Participants proposed a structured algorithm of actions, including the application of modern adsorption methods, phyto- and bioremediation as low-carbon and highly effective approaches for immobilizing toxic substances in plant biomass or enabling their microbiological decomposition. The congress concluded that restoring soil fertility and ecological balance in Ukraine is only possible through a transition from localized measures to large-scale implementation of innovative technologies combined with natural self-purification mechanisms, requiring interdisciplinary collaboration among environmental, engineering-chemical, and biological sciences.
Within the congress, a round table discussion “Youth Perspective on the Synergy of Research and Technologies for Sustainable Agri-Food Systems” was also held as part of the Horizon Europe AGRI-BIOCIRCULAR-HUB project. The event served as a platform to discuss the role of young scientists in implementing innovative solutions, advancing circular bioeconomy, and strengthening cooperation between science, business, and society in transforming the agri-food sector.
The congress became an important platform for exchanging ideas, scientific achievements, and establishing international cooperation. As a result, participants outlined перспективні напрями further research and emphasized the importance of active youth involvement in addressing contemporary environmental challenges.
