Throughout the autumn, four week-long rehabilitation camps for war veterans took place in the unique Danube Delta — a place where wildlife is gradually returning after decades of human intervention.
After a successful pilot trip in May, the Rewilding Ukraine team continued the “Nature for Veterans” program, implemented in partnership with the National Health and Safety Council and financially supported by the Nonviolent Peaceforce International Representation in Ukraine under the Aid4Heroes project.
From pilot to full-fledged program
The first visits revealed how powerful nature’s impact can be in restoring veterans’ inner balance. That’s why the new sessions became more immersive: participants not only explored the rewilding areas of the Danube Biosphere Reserve, but also took part in walks around Vylkove, boat trips through the channels, and fishing activities.
An important part of the program was working with psychologists, who helped veterans find new ways to heal from their experiences and feel the support of the community.
“We wanted to create a safe space where people can simply be — without judgment, without pressure, surrounded by nature that itself shows the way back to life,” says Oleg Dyakov, team leader of Rewilding Ukraine and author of the initiative.
Nature as a space for healing
Over the week, participants explored the wild corners of the delta, observing birds, buffaloes, and deer — animals that have become symbols of the region’s revival. For many, it was their first introduction to rewilding — an approach that not only restores nature, but also helps people reconnect with it.
“When you see the land coming back to life, you start believing that you can, too. Nature shows that healing is possible,” shared one of the program’s participants.
Veterans, families, and community
The program includes not only veterans but also their family members. War affects everyone — and spending time together in nature helps restore not only the body, but also relationships, trust, and closeness.
Each new session demonstrated how the combination of nature, psychological support, and simple joys of life — evening conversations by the fire, watching the sunset, fishing together — opens a path to gradual recovery.
Next Steps
Rewilding Ukraine plans to continue developing the “Nature for Veterans” initiative. “We see that wild nature has a powerful therapeutic effect. It’s a space where not only ecosystems come alive again — people do, too,” concludes Oleh Dyakov.
Support: The program is implemented with the financial support of the Nonviolent Peaceforce International Representation in Ukraine under the Aid4Heroes project, in partnership with the National Health and Safety Council and Rewilding Ukraine.
