The First Six Communities Join “PARASOL: Green Way”: Launching Systematic Reforms in Ukraine

The practical phase of “PARASOL: Green Way” has officially launched in Ukraine. This initiative is designed to empower local communities to transition toward a new waste management model aligned with both national legislative requirements and European Union standards.

The first wave of participating communities includes:

• Varva Settlement Territorial Community

• Zghurivka Settlement Territorial Community

• Kornyn Settlement Territorial Community

• Kurisove Rural Territorial Community

• Mala Vyska City Territorial Community

• Teresva Settlement Territorial Community

The diverse geography of this initial cohort underscores a nationwide demand for systematic ecological modernization. Following the enactment of the Law of Ukraine “On Waste Management” (No. 2320-IX), municipalities are mandated to develop Local Waste Management Plans (LWMPs). However, the project team emphasizes that a plan is merely the starting point.

“An LWMP is a strategic document, but without financial and institutional preparation, it risks becoming a mere formality. Our mission is to help communities plan their next steps immediately,”the project experts noted.

Through the Project Navigator (PN) framework, these communities are not only preparing their LWMPs but are also building a comprehensive logic for long-term development.

A Multifaceted Approach to Development

Participants in the first wave are working simultaneously across several strategic pillars:

Building a “Green Project Portfolio”

Communities are focused on:

• Identifying priority infrastructure solutions;

• Structuring a pipeline of environmental projects;

• Developing concepts for potential funding;

• Integrating these projects into the Project Navigator digital ecosystem.

Preparation of SEA and FS

Under the PN framework, the technical preparation includes:

• Conducting Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA);

• Developing Feasibility Studies (FS);

• Modeling financial scenarios and development pathways.

By preparing this rigorous documentation package, communities will be "shovel-ready" to apply for state and international support programs the moment their plans are approved.

Institutional Capacity Rating: A Catalyst for Investment

A unique feature of the Project Navigator is the introduction of an Institutional Capacity Assessment tool. Each community will:

• Undergo a diagnostic audit of managerial and financial processes;

• Receive an Investment Readiness Rating;

• Monitor their progress through a dedicated online dashboard.

“We aren’t assessing just for the sake of a score. We are creating a development tool. Communities will clearly understand their current standing and exactly which steps are required to boost their investment attractiveness,” the team explained.

Partnership and Support

The project is implemented by the following civil society organizations:

• Foundation “Regional Center for Economic Research and Business Support” (RcErBs)

• Center for International Cooperation and Project Implementation

With the support of esteemed international partners:

• CEE Bankwatch Network

• Global Greengrants Fund

Looking Ahead

While these six small municipalities are the pioneers of this systematic change, the selection process remains open. Larger communities are expected to join the initiative shortly.

The vision is clear: “PARASOL: Green Way” is about moving beyond formal compliance toward genuine investment readiness. It is a transition from a legacy waste model to a new economy of resources. For Ukraine's communities, the strategic planning happening today will be their competitive advantage tomorrow.