Land of capital’s Hryshko Botanical Garden was transferred for residential development despite ban
Despite the ban, the land of the Hryshko National Botanical Garden in Kyiv was transferred for residential development.
This was reported by the State Audit Service, Censor.NET reports.
"During an audit of the implementation of budget programs by the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and its institutions, the State Audit Service found violations in the financial activities of the Hryshko National Botanical Garden.
Contrary to a direct legislative prohibition, the land plot of the National Botanical Garden at 1 Sadovo-Botanichna (formerly Timiriazivska) Street in Kyiv became the subject of an investment agreement. It provides for the construction of residential and non-residential buildings, in which the botanical garden was to receive a share," the statement said.
They explained that the developer could not implement the agreement for 6 years because of the special regime of protection of the territory of the National Botanical Garden.
At the same time, the institution received cash, services, and other goods (including tulip bulbs and soil) worth UAH 2.6 million from the investor.
The State Audit Service emphasized that the botanical garden is a part of the Nature Reserve Fund of Ukraine, is an object of comprehensive protection and belongs to the lands of natural, historical and cultural designation, which are protected as a national treasure of the state.
Any activity that contradicts the designated purpose of the reserve is prohibited. For example, the construction of structures that are not related to its functioning.
Kyiv authorities' response
Mayor Vitalii Klytschko said that the Kyiv authorities demanded that the Cabinet of Ministers intervene in the situation to prevent the construction of the botanical garden and to organize its territory.
"Earlier, Kyiv appealed to the National Academy of Sciences to transfer the botanical garden to the city's management. This area in the historic center of the capital is in poor condition and the city wanted to improve it," the mayor emphasized.
Head of the KCMA Tymuriy Tkachenko appealed to the management of the botanical garden and the National Academy of Sciences with a recommendation to immediately terminate this investment agreement.
"The National Botanical Garden is a heritage that should be left as a legacy for future generations," he added.
