10 October 2025
Despite facing the constant challenges resulting from the war in Ukraine, Obolonsky Island in Kyiv – described as the jewel of the city’s green infrastructure – has been awarded the Green Flag Award, which recognises quality parks management.
For more than three years, parks and green spaces have been offering much-needed respite to the residents of the capital providing a safe space where families can find moments of peace, children can play and adults can reconnect with nature despite the constant stress of war.
In extremely difficult circumstances, parks across the country continue to promote mental health and wellbeing and strengthen social ties.
Today the city is celebrating international recognition of its work to protect and enhance one of its key green areas, Obolonsky Island, where poignantly, a pedestrian bridge leading to the island has become a symbol of the city’s resilience and recovery.
It is a haven for inclusive groups and military personnel undergoing rehabilitation, with various events and leisure activities organised in the park to promote physical and emotional recovery.
Mr Vitali Klitschko, Mayor of Kyiv and Head of the Kyiv City State Administration, said:
“This award confirms that Obolonsky Island meets high international standards of management, safety, accessibility and environmental friendliness. Ukraine participated in this international programme for the first time. This award makes Obolonsky Island an even more attractive place to relax.”
Serhii Saburov, Acting Director of the Department of Environmental Protection and Adaptation to Climate Change at Kyiv City State Administration, said achieving the Green Flag Award is a powerful signal that Ukrainians continue to care about the environment, their communities and their future even in the most difficult times. He said:
“We decided to apply for the Green Flag Award even during the war because caring for parks and green spaces is not only about the environment, but also about the resilience, dignity and hope of people. In extremely difficult circumstances, we believe it is important to show that life goes on and that communities are capable of uniting around positive values."
“We have personally witnessed how the park brings comfort to the community. Community organisations regularly hold events here to support people, organise activities for children and foster a sense of unity.”
The island - a popular place for walking, sports, cycling, and enjoying fresh air - features landscaped areas with benches, pathways and greenery and is described as “a harmonious space where urban infrastructure coexists with nature, preserving natural landscapes and promoting biodiversity”.
It was assessed through the use of an innovative remote judging process devised in partnership between Green Flag Award and the Kyiv City State Administration and their key contractor - Municipal Enterprise PLESO.
Video 1: An innovative assessment method was used during wartime to judge the park
Two highly experienced judges from the UK formed the inspection team. Lucy Heath, a former advisor for Natural England and an experienced parks professional, joined Dr Paul Rabbits, Chair of the UK Parks Management Association and published parks historian.
Both said they were highly impressed by the attention to detail and high level of maintenance and innovation on display during the video tour.
Carl McClean, International Development Manager for the Green Flag Award said:
“We’re extremely honoured to announce this fantastic result, and to celebrate the hard work and dedication of the Kyiv City State Administration, and their partner PLESO.
“Managing this park to international standards, despite significant challenges as a result of ongoing war in Ukraine, should be recognised as an amazing achievement. Well done to everyone involved.”
The Green Flag Award recognises a wide variety of different types of parks and green spaces, including nature reserves like Kesselse Heide in Antwerp, Belgium; university campuses like Ultuna Campus in Uppsala, Sweden and public gardens such as Jardins do Palácio de Cristal in Porto, Portugal.
On July 30, Keep Britain Tidy announced 163 parks and green spaces around Europe that had achieved Green Flag Award status. This is in addition to the 2,250 UK winners that received their awards earlier that month.
Winners in Ireland, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada , UAE, Saudi Arabia and Sweden have also reached the high standards required to receive a coveted Green Flag Award in 2025.
Explore all the winners
The Green Flag Award winners’ map features accredited parks and green spaces around the world. Explore the various profiles to learn more about our current winners.
As the Green Flag Award programme continues to grow around the world, so too does our judging reach. In the past 12 months new judges have been trained in Finland, Ireland, Belgium, Portugal and the USA.
Apply for an Award - wherever you are
To find out more about the Green Flag award or to apply for an award, whichever country you are based in, visit the Green Flag Award website or alternatively click here.
