National Dendrological Park "Sofiyivka" of the NAS of Ukraine awarded the bronze prize of the international ERHG Acanthus Prize 2025 in the category Restoration, Conservation & Sustainable Management (restoration, preservation, and sustainable management of historic gardens).
The award was given for the preservation and development of the park under conditions of full-scale war. Despite staffing difficulties and infrastructure damage, "Sofiyivka" continues to fulfill its key functions – scientific, environmental protection, and educational.
It was specifically noted that the park not only supports restoration work and visitor reception but has also become a space for psychological support and cultural initiatives. This allows it to maintain its role as an important scientific and social center even in crisis conditions.
The ERHG Acanthus Prize recognizes the best practices in the field of preservation of Europe's historic gardens. In 2025, among the laureates are also projects from Italy and Spain implementing large-scale restoration programs and sustainable management of cultural landscapes.