Zaporizhstal Steel Works has been actively supporting ecological initiatives, particularly focusing on the rehabilitation of the Dnieper River's fauna through various public programs aimed at conservation and improvement of the ecosystem.
On the 4th of April, 2014, with the financial help of Zaporizhstal Steel Works, the first stage of the public ecological programme “Let’s Save the Dnieper Together!” started, during which 20 nests for birds will be installed in the territory of Hortitsa Island’s Preservation and 1200 spawning redds for fish.
Zaporizhstal Steel Works has supported the public ecological programme “Let’s Save the Dnieper Together!” for three consecutive years. In 2014, within the programme, there will be the installation of 10 nests on floating platforms for birds and 10 nests on floating platforms for garrots (5 in Hortitsa's places and 5 in Rozumovka's places) for the first time.
Additionally, for the purpose of improving the Dnieper’s basin, public organizations participating in the project have made 1200 spawning redds that will be installed along the territory of the Dnieper Reservoir and in the territory of Hortitsa Preservation Park. The artificial spawnings will be maintained by public organizations of the city during the one month after their installation before juvenile fishes are born.
The ecological programme will occur with the help and participation of the Zaporizhzhya Youth Community of Birds Research and Preservation, Zaporizhzhya City Community of Hunters and Fishermen, and Zaporozhyerybohrana. It is important to note that the public ecological programme “Let’s Save the Dnieper Together!” started in 2012 and is led by an active population, along with representatives from various Ukrainian districts who are eager to contribute to environmental improvement.
Yearly, as part of this programme, citizens and participants from public organizations clean up trash from the Dnieper’s course and its waterside. The programme also engages in fish planting, installation of artificial spawnings, and planting trees on Hortitsa Island.