City Amid Natural Beauty: Is Restoring Kyiv’s Lybid River Possible Today?
The recent presentation of the project 'Regeneration of the Lybid River in Kyiv,' developed by students and professors of the National Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture under the guidance of Vice President of the National Union of Architects Olena Oliynyk, has sparked lively discussions and raised numerous vital questions about the future of natural environments within the Ukrainian capital. This is not merely another thesis project but a profound analysis of the challenges of preserving and reviving nature in a city currently cloaked in concrete jungles and abandoned conduits. Kyiv is an archipelago of water bodies, most of which are hidden from view due to industrialization and urban development. Rivers that once flowed freely are now concealed beneath layers of concrete or run through tunnels. Lybid is the only river that symbolizes the city’s historical and cultural heritage, but it has also lost its natural appearance and the chance for restoration. However, is it feasible to bring back this legendary river—at least partially? Global experiences suggest yes, but such efforts demand significant investments and commitment. For example, in Seoul, where the Cheonggyecheon River was restored, green spaces transformed degraded districts into attractive public areas, boosting tourism and urban vitality. In Ukraine, large-scale projects of natural waterway rehabilitation often remain just ideas—hampered by bureaucracy, illegal connections, and pollution. Nevertheless, can Kyiv’s Lybid become a symbol of purity, green shores, and leisure routes? The answer is clear: it requires enormous work and investments. But it is possible if the government and citizens unite to protect and rehabilitate water resources. This issue isn’t only about aesthetics or history but also a pressing ecological challenge that needs legal and organizational solutions—eliminating urban development violations that impair water and land laws, and fighting illegal discharges. Why is it important? Because Lybid is not just an historical river but an ecological symbol capable of becoming a space for recreation, culture, and inspiration for Kyiv’s residents and visitors. Restoring its natural value opens a path to harmonious coexistence of nature and urban life, which is a crucial challenge today. Therefore, we invite everyone to support the idea—each of us can help preserve and restore the beauty of the Lybid River for future generations.