Local Communities of Zakarpattia Invited the Belgian Ambassador for an Official Visit over His Position on Svydovets

Residents of two Zakarpattia local communities have appealed to the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Ukraine, Luc Jacobs, asking him to clarify whether he and his country truly oppose the development of their region, and invited him for an official visit. This is stated in an open letter published on the official websites of the Yasynia and Ust-Chorna local communities.

"We would like to inform you that under conditions of harsh climate and the absence of industry, our communities make significant efforts to create new jobs, improve the living standards of residents, and develop the local economy. As a strategic direction, we have chosen to develop the recreational potential of the region, in particular through the creation of a modern resort. Investment is planned to come exclusively from Ukrainian investors, without the use of foreign financing. At the same time, we strive not only to preserve the natural and cultural heritage of our land, but also to ensure sustainable development that will allow our children and grandchildren to live and work at home rather than seek opportunities abroad. Without jobs and infrastructure, our villages are dying out, and young people leave their homes as soon as they receive their passports," the open letter states.

The residents of the communities noted that for many years they have been defending their right to develop their territories in courts, particularly by fighting against illegal logging. These efforts are often accompanied by discrediting campaigns from certain individuals and groups who, relying on the support of pseudo-activists, spread false information about the residents and officials of the communities. The residents invited the Belgian Ambassador for an official visit to Zakarpattia in order to provide objective information about the state of the local economy and the initiatives aimed at its improvement.

"Media attacks financed from sources unavailable to local communities create a false perception of the real intentions and potential of the region. In this regard, it is important for us to understand whether your personal position and the position of the Kingdom of Belgium is truly one of opposition to the development of Ukrainian regions, including Zakarpattia. We are convinced that development and nature conservation can and must coexist, and that investments in modern infrastructure should contribute not to destruction, but to the protection of the environment. We would be grateful for your response and remain ready for open and constructive dialogue. We also invite you to pay us an official visit in order to provide objective information about the state of the local economy and the initiatives for its improvement. We would appreciate your involvement in the processes of reviving our region, which take into account both the ecological and socio-economic interests of Zakarpattia," the appeal to the Belgian Ambassador to Ukraine reads.

Earlier, activists opposing the construction of new recreational infrastructure on the Svidovets Ridge, citing the risk of ecosystem destruction, publicly announced their support for their position by the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Ukraine, Luc Jacobs. Photos from the Belgian ambassador's private visit to Zakarpattia were posted on the Facebook pages of public organizations. "During his visit, Luc Jacobs expressed his concern about the potential development of the ridge," said Orest Del Sol, a member of the Free Svydovets initiative group, in a comment to Suspilne Uzhhorod.

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