Kyiv botanical gardens now safe from property developers
The Hryshko National Botanical Garden in Kyiv has terminated a contract that allowed residential and non-residential buildings to be constructed on its grounds, Kyiv City Administration head Tymur Tkachenko announced on Jan. 17.
The move was made under pressure from Kyiv residents and urban activists. Tkachenko described it as a “successful defense” of the garden from development.
“This is yet another example of how the community can effectively influence the running of the city,” he said in a Telegram post.
“I am grateful to everyone who got involved and hope this victory serves as a model for anyone thinking of seizing our historical and cultural heritage.”
On Jan. 9, the State Audit Service reported finding violations in the financial activities of the Hryshko National Botanical Garden. Documents indicated that, contrary to direct legislative ban, the botanical garden's land in Kyiv’s Pechersk district became the subject of an investment agreement. This agreement envisaged the construction of residential and non-residential buildings, with an ownership stake to be held by the garden.
For six years, the developer was unable to execute the agreement due to special protections placed on the garden’s territory. However, during this time, the institution received cash, services, and various goods, including tulip bulbs and soil, amounting to UAH2.6 million ($62,000) from the investor.
On Jan. 11, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko urged the government to intervene to prevent the botanical garden's development. On the same day, Tkachenko announced his recommendation to the botanical garden's management and the National Academy of Sciences to immediately terminate the investment agreement signed in 2018.
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