Joining forces for clean water: EU_NITRA_UKR project team and Ecoaction NGO discussed the implementation of the EU nitrates directive

On March 31, 2026, the project team of 101238988 – EU_NITRA_UKR “Nitrate pollution prevention for health environment: European experience of the Nitrates Directive implementation for a Ukrainian circular economy” held a remote meeting with representatives of the Centre for Environmental Initiatives “Ecoaction” (NGO “Ecoaction”).

The meeting was attended by Mariia BIELKINA, Head of the Agricultural Department and Deputy Director; Iryna KAZAKOVA, Specialist of the Agricultural Department; and Anna DANYLIAK, Specialist in the Greening of Agriculture.

 Ecoaction is a leading Ukrainian non-governmental organization that brings together experts and activists to protect the environment and influence the adoption of environmentally important decisions. In particular, this NGO initiated an appeal to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine regarding the urgent inclusion on the agenda of Draft Law No. 11496 “On the Protection of Waters Against Pollution Caused by Nitrates from Agricultural Sources” dated August 16, 2024, which has not yet been brought forward for consideration. The EU_NITRA_UKR project team supported the appeal.

 The subject of a lively discussion that lasted over two hours were various aspects of the problem of nitrate pollution of Ukraine's water sources and the relevance of implementing the EU Nitrates Directive into the Ukrainian legal framework. The discussion covered the following aspects:

· Organization of water quality monitoring. NGO Ecoaction has repeatedly conducted large-scale studies (for instance, the “Expedition: In Search of Clean Water”), involving rural residents in testing water from wells and springs. This helps identify zones with critical nitrate levels. The NUBiP of Ukraine team also possesses an extensive database of water sample analyses for nitrate content from various regions of Ukraine, obtained through diploma theses by university students and scientific research;

-         Advocacy for the Nitrates Directive: "Ecoaction" carries out a range of measures to influence the government toward the full implementation of the EU Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC). This involves the designation of “Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs)”, where control over fertilizer use must be significantly stricter. The area of cooperation with the JMO project lies in the advisory activities of our scientists and the justification of practical steps - planning pilot projects and developing calculators for NVZ assessments;

-         Control over Agribusiness Holdings: They focus on large industrial farms (especially livestock complexes), which often become sources of groundwater pollution due to improper manure storage and excessive application of nitrogen fertilizers. The area of cooperation with the project involves conducting monitoring studies of nitrate content in potential pollution areas;

-      Recommendations and Analytics: Joint preparation of analytical reports analyzing the link between agricultural policy and drinking water quality, as well as proposals for farmers regarding a rational transition to organic and sustainable farming methods. An example is the development by NGO Ecoaction of the “Program for Reducing Nitrate Water Pollution from Agricultural Sources: Poland’s Experience, Lessons for Ukraine” (https://ecoaction.org.ua/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Zmensh-nitrat-zabrudnennia-dosv-polshi2025s.pdf).

       The collaboration between the EU_NITRA_UKR project team and NGO “Ecoaction” highlights a shared commitment to addressing the critical issue of nitrate pollution in Ukraine. Through joint advocacy, such as the support for Draft Law No. 11496, and practical initiatives like water quality monitoring and the designation of Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs), both parties are working towards aligning Ukrainian legislation with European standards.  The integration of scientific research from NUBiP of Ukraine with Ecoaction’s grassroots experience in community engagement provides a robust foundation for implementing the EU Nitrates Directive. This partnership is essential for fostering a circular economy and ensuring the long-term protection of Ukraine's water resources and public health