Inspiration, wisdom and science: meeting of students of the Higher Educational Service "RFK NUBiP of Ukraine" with academician Yakov Didukh

The scientific path of Yakov Didukh is an example of selfless service to science, perseverance in achieving the goal and a deep understanding of the importance of preserving the biodiversity of Ukraine. Yakov Petrovych is the author of over 700 scientific papers, a significant part of which is devoted to the study of flora, phytocenoses, biodiversity and geobotanical zoning of Ukraine. His scientific achievements cover fundamental aspects of the structure, dynamics and stability of plant communities. One of the main areas of his work is the ecological indication of the state of the natural environment, as well as the development of criteria for sustainable nature management.

For decades, Yakiv Didukh has been at the forefront of Ukrainian science, acting not only as a researcher, but also as an educator and defender of our country's natural resources. His works are of great importance for environmental protection, in particular for the preservation of rare and endangered ecosystems of the Carpathians, Polissya, and the Steppe.

The distinguished guest was warmly welcomed by the college director Vasyl Tsaruk. Together with the Deputy Director for Academic Affairs Lyudmila Baldych He conducted a tour of the educational institution, familiarizing the academician with the college's material and technical base. A special stop was the library and information center, where Yakov Didukh The most valuable and unique publications from the institution's collections were demonstrated.

This was followed by a meeting with teachers and students, during which Yakov Petrovych spoke on a topical and at the same time painful topic: "Scientific principles for developing a methodology for assessing damage to natural ecosystems caused by military actions"The professor spoke in detail about the new methodology that Ukrainian scientists are working on, in particular within the framework of an interdisciplinary approach that combines botany, geography, ecology, economics, and law.

In the conditions of full-scale Russian aggression against Ukraine, armed actions cause enormous damage to natural territories - forests are burning, soils are polluted with heavy metals and fuel, water bodies are poisoned. In his speech, Yakiv DIDUKH emphasized the importance of a clear, scientifically based system of recording and assessing these losses, which will allow not only to influence international environmental policy, but also to present legally verified claims for compensation for damages. Also, in his report, the scientist focused in detail on the problem of the Kakhovka reservoir, which arose as a result of the dam explosion.

In the format of an open dialogue, students had the opportunity to ask questions that concerned them: about the path to science, about the history of the book's creation "Vegetation of Cherry Mountain and its surroundings", about the preservation of the botanical reserve "Vyshneva Gora", about the impact of global warming on the vegetation of the reserve, the practical significance of biology today, the possibilities of participating in research projects and environmental initiatives. Yakov Didukh's answers were not only thorough, but also motivating.

Concluding the meeting, the college director Vasyl Tsaruk showed sincere respect for the outstanding scientist by presenting him with a book about the history and achievements of the educational institution. In response to this warm gesture Yakov Didukh presented the director with his scientific works, the result of many years of fruitful research activity.

This meeting was another confirmation that science is not only about laboratories and research, but above all, about people who are sincerely passionate about their work. We are sincerely grateful to Yakov Petrovich for the interesting and informative conversation, as well as for the inspiration he gave to our youth.