Carpathian National Park
The Carpathian National Nature Park is located in the Western part of Ukraine, in the Ivano-Frankivsk region. It is considered the oldest among the national nature parks of the country and was founded on June 3, 1980, by decree of the Council of Ministers of the Ukrainian SSR. The National Park is a natural laboratory for many Ukrainian and foreign scientific institutions. Its area is 143 km2 and is divided into main zones as follows:
- Zapovednaya – the most valuable natural complexes are protected by the state;
- recreation area – recreation and recreation of visitors is conducted, as well as an overview of the most beautiful places of the reserve.;
- economic – an economic function is performed;
- protective – work is underway to preserve and restore ecosystems.
The largest point of the Ukrainian Carpathians is located in this park – Hoverla (2061 m.). At the foot of this mountain, the Prut River is born, which on the way intertwines with numerous water streams such as Kamenka, Zhenets, Prutets, Gomulets and many others. Many lovers of natural beauty gather at the waterfalls "Breakdown" on the Prut River in Yaremche and "Guk" on the Zhenets River. The fantastic caves of Dovbush will also captivate with their elegance. It makes you look at a unique place where cedar pines grow – the Cedarwood tract. The climate in the park has a very positive effect on the development of tourism in this area. The summer and autumn period is perfect for hiking and autotourism, but winter is perfect for a ski resort.
Maricheika and Frenetic, these are the names of the most prominent glacial lakes located in the reserve. Springs of hydrogen sulfide water can also be found here. The park is rich in carbon dioxide, as well as medicinal bicarbonate, and no less useful sulfate, chloride crystal mineral waters (Borjomi, Arzna, Yessentuki). Carbonic bicarbonate-sodium water called "Burkut" is also popular.
Pristine landscapes and the absence of industrial zones give the air a special healing power. All these factors influenced the opening of health and treatment complexes throughout the park, and especially in the part where Yaremche, Vorokhta, and Mikulichin are located.
The favorable geographical location and the favorable climate are the main reasons for the rich flora of the Carpathian National Park. Magnificent forests are represented by such trees as beech, fir, spruce, maple, birch, yavor, as well as bushes: elder, hazel, willow, alder and many others. The plants in the reserve are very diverse, there are about 1,100 species, many of which have medicinal properties, and about 20 are listed in the Red Book of Ukraine.
Animals also love this area. 46 species of mammals, approximately 180 species of birds, as well as a large number of amphibians, fish, and reptiles have chosen this area for their homes. The circle is decorated with deer, roe deer, squirrels, hares, and many other animals and birds that roam the territory carefree.
