Myroslava project, Chronicles of Recovery, brought together an inspiring community of artists, ecologists, psychologists, urbanists, and communicators who explore how working with plants can support emotional and social recovery in times of war. The initiative emerged from the idea that interaction with nature – planting, growing, observing – can help people process trauma and reconnect with life amidst destruction.
Building on the experience of ArtPole Agency’s earlier work in de-occupied Irpin supported within our #StandWithUkraine Call in 2022, the project evolved into a collaborative network spanning de-occupied Irpin and Bucha, Kherson, Kyiv, and beyond. Experts from diverse fields came together through meetings, research trips, and joint discussions to share practices of ecological restoration and community care.
A key result of the project is the bilingual online platform Chronicles of Recovery – a living archive of stories, practical advice, and connections. It documents experiences collected during expert meetings and field visits, showcasing how communities are rebuilding not only physical spaces but also emotional resilience.
“The materials we collected aim to give something practical,” says Myroslava. “But also something that helps to pause, find like-minded people, and look at things from another perspective – something that makes it easier to move forward.”
The community formed during the Fellowship continues to grow. Its members are developing new collaborations, from eco-construction initiatives to rehabilitation projects for veterans, and contributing to international discussions on soil regeneration and biochar technology. Through Chronicles of Recovery, Myroslava’s project plants not only seeds in the ground but also seeds of healing, solidarity, and hope.
“It’s difficult to go to a de-occupied city and just document how people live there. I want to help.” Interview with Myroslava Ganyushkina in ELLE (in Ukrainian)