Revitalizing Ukrainian communities: the EU and UNDP collaborate to map war-related damage

Kyiv, 21 June 2023 – The European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine have jointly developed an interactive online platform for mapping war-related damage, which classifies destroyed objects by type and degree. This groundbreaking project is currently being piloted in 20 communities across Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Kharkiv, Kherson, Mykolaiv and Sumy oblasts.

The newly introduced platform has a host of advantages, including a well-defined catalogue of objects, a comprehensive classification system for damage assessment, detailed address plans, a user-friendly geoportal with powerful visualization capabilities and data-out for the development of spatial planning documents. This information is critical for accurately calculating losses and attracting essential investment for restoration efforts.

At a dedicated event, representatives from the target communities, local government departments, civil society organizations and GIS experts convened to discuss the significance of adopting a systematic approach to documenting destruction and conducting visual surveys. The ultimate goals are to lay a solid foundation for post-war recovery and to promote effective development planning.

Martin Schroeder, Head of the Local and Human Development Section at the EU Delegation to Ukraine, said that by harnessing the power of technology and collaboration, the EU, together with partners, cancontribute to the recovery and development of war-affected communities in Ukraine. “The interactive platform provides a vital tool for accurately assessing and documenting damage caused by the Russian war of aggression,” he said. “With this innovative resource, we aim to empower local communities to plan and attract investments for restoration.”

Christophoros Politis, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, said that UNDP is dedicated to supporting war-torn communities, and the collaboration with the European Union on this project is testament to our shared commitment. “This invaluable tool strengthens the resilience of communities by fostering a comprehensive understanding of their needs and priorities,” he said. “Together, we are striving to build a brighter and more resilient future, where the voices of Ukrainian communities are heard, and their recovery is sustainable.”

Background

The project is being implemented by the “BloomInfo-Ukraine” LLC with assistance from UNDP in Ukraine within the United Nations Recovery and Peacebuilding Programme (UN RPP), and with financial support from EU.

Four United Nations agencies are implementing the UN RPP: UNDP, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

Eleven international partners support the UN RPP: the EU, the European Investment Bank (EIB), the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine, and the governments of Canada, Denmark, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Media inquiries: Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org