Living Labs

Problem
Currently, there is no operating research and educational demonstration site (living lab) in the field of green-blue infrastructure (GBI) restoration, adapted to the conditions of frontline cities. Existing approaches to monitoring, assessing the effectiveness and restoration of urban green ecosystems do not take into account the specifics of damage caused by military actions, the need for long-term observations in crisis conditions and active community involvement in reconstruction processes. The lack of representative pilot sites complicates the testing of innovative solutions, validation of methods and training of specialists capable of working in conditions of military aggression and post-war reconstruction.

Idea
Creation of a functioning “living lab” (living lab) based on a pilot site (within the campus of  V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University) as an integral component of the adaptive microgrid of GBI. The key feature is the combination of:

• the unique concept of the adaptive microgrid of the GBI - a system of interconnected objects (rain gardens, infiltration ditches, regenerative lawns, biodiversity islands), which reinforce each other's effects and integrate into the urban fabric;

• the principles of citizen science - involving residents, students and internally displaced persons in data collection according to standardized protocols;

• the educational platform - using the laboratory infrastructure to conduct undergraduate and graduate research, conduct training and implement micro-qualification programs.

Such a laboratory will act not only as a demonstration model, but also as an open testing ground for long-term environmental monitoring, testing nature-based solutions and developing community capacity in issues of sustainable urban restoration.

Objective
To deploy a functioning “living laboratory” at the university campus, based on the implemented pilot facility of the adaptive microgrid of the GBI, equipped with a stationary monitoring network, infrastructure for involving the public and students, as well as mechanisms for transferring the acquired knowledge and technologies for scaling to other frontline communities.

Results (current status)
1. The scientific and methodological concept of the Living Lab “Problems of Urban Landscapes” has been developed. A holistic vision of the urban “living laboratory” as an integrated platform for long-term monitoring, validation of nature-oriented solutions and public participation has been formed. The concept combines the principles of landscape and ecological planning, assessment of ecosystem services and adaptive management in conditions of military challenges.

2. The location of the physical site of the living laboratory has been justified. A pilot site has been determined within the campus of V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University. An analysis of its spatial and functional characteristics, security conditions and infrastructure capacity has been carried out. The decision to deploy a pilot adaptive microgrid of the GBI and create a Living Lab on its basis is in the process of being agreed with the university administration.

3. A partnership network has been formed and areas of mutual interest have been identified. Key stakeholders have been involved in cooperation, with whom areas of responsibility in the functioning of the Living Lab have been identified:

• Department of Urban Planning of Kharkiv City Council - using the laboratory as a demonstration site for testing typical design solutions for the restoration of GBI;

• KP "Kharkivzelenbud" - participation in developing operating regulations and monitoring the condition of GBI facilities;

• State Ecological Inspectorate - joint development of methods for assessing damage caused to the environment as a result of hostilities;

• O.N. Sokolovsky Institute of Soil Science and Agrochemistry NAS of Ukraine – scientific and methodological support for soil cover studies on the pilot site;

• Ukrainian Research Institute of Forestry and Agroforestry named after H. M. Vysotsky (UkrSRIFA) – provides scientific and methodological support for assessing the condition of tree plantations, their resistance to military damage and recommendations for the restoration of forest ecosystems within the urban forest management area.

4. The profile of competencies developed in the Living Lab has been determined. The list of professional skills that are formed on the basis of the laboratory has been clearly outlined, in particular for higher education students of all educational levels (bachelor's, master's, PhD students) and citizen science volunteers:

• methods for diagnosing military damage to soils and vegetation cover;

• application of sensor systems for monitoring air quality, water and surface temperature;

• use of mobile GIS collectors (QField) for spatial data binding;

• dendrochronological analysis to assess the stress impact on tree stands;

• participation in citizen science projects (photographing, filling out checklists, data verification);

• prioritization of restoration sites based on multi-criteria analysis of ecosystem services.

5. The equipment specification has been developed and a complete list of material and technical support has been formed. The nomenclature and number of necessary devices and systems for the functioning of the Living Lab have been determined. 

The list includes:

• Sensor monitoring systems - atmospheric air control sensors (PM2.5/PM10 particulate matter, carbon dioxide, temperature, humidity, air quality index), soil condition sensors (humidity, temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, Na, K, P content), water quality sensors (pH, redox potential, temperature), as well as power and data transmission modules;

• Equipment for dendrochronological research - a set of drills of various types for selecting wood cores;

• Video surveillance and remote measurement systems - IP cameras with online broadcasting, Wi-Fi equipment, a thermal imager for recording temperature anomalies (urban heat islands);

• Educational equipment – ​​interactive whiteboard, graphic tablets for project work and data visualization.

During the reporting period, the Institute of Ecology of the Carpathians NAS of Ukraine carried out key preparatory activities aimed at establishing a Living Lab in the Borynya territorial community (Lviv region, Ukraine).

The initial phase focused on contextual analysis and baseline assessment. The selected pilot area demonstrates a high dependence on non-timber forest products (NTFPs), with widespread local engagement in the collection of mushrooms, berries, and medicinal plants for both subsistence and income generation. At the same time, significant gaps were identified in local processing capacities and value chain organization.

A detailed assessment of NTFP use was conducted based on available forestry data and field surveys. Official limits for harvesting include substantial volumes of key products (e.g., up to 220 tons of blueberries and 75 tons of elderberries), while actual recorded harvesting remains significantly lower, indicating underutilized resource potential. At the same time, the absence of comprehensive state statistics on NTFP use required the application of survey-based methods.

A structured interview approach was used to assess local practices, ensuring representation across age and social groups. The results confirm that nearly all residents are involved in NTFP collection, with an average distance to forest resources of 3.2 km. Forests are also widely used for recreation (82% of respondents) and livestock grazing (90%).

The findings highlight the predominantly informal nature of NTFP use. While 47% of respondents reported selling mushrooms and berries, in high-yield years this share increases significantly, often involving unregulated market channels. At the same time, harvesting volumes are considerable, with households collecting several kilograms of mushrooms and up to 10–15 kg of berries per day during the season.

A stakeholder mapping process was conducted, identifying key actors from local authorities, small businesses, academia, and civil society. Initial communication has been established to support their involvement in future Living Lab activities.

The project team has initiated the design of the Living Lab framework, with a focus on multi-actor collaboration, co-creation, and place-based innovation. Particular attention is given to developing sustainable local value chains and enhancing the economic resilience of the community.

Preparatory work for pilot actions has also begun, including the identification of priority product groups (berries, mushrooms, medicinal plants) and potential small-scale processing solutions aligned with local development strategies.

In addition, a review of existing best practices was carried out to support knowledge transfer and identify replicable practices. This included the analysis of successful local initiatives in herbal teas, dried mushrooms, and fruit products. In particular, the experience of Національний природний парк «Бойківщина» and the local brand “Boikiv Dar” was examined as a relevant example of sustainable processing of wild-harvested products.

The analysis clearly indicates a significant gap between resource availability and local economic benefits, underlining the need to develop local processing capacities and formalized value chains within the Living Lab framework.

Expected Results and Next Steps:
The next phase will focus on stakeholder engagement, co-creation workshops, and pilot implementation. Expected outcomes include the establishment of a functional Living Lab, development of NTFP value chains, and enhanced local capacity through knowledge transfer and adoption of replicable solutions.

Risks and Mitigation:
Potential risks include limited stakeholder engagement, lack of infrastructure, and market uncertainties. These will be addressed through participatory approaches, pilot-scale solutions, and flexible business models.

Overall, the progress achieved during the reporting period provides a solid foundation for the implementation and scaling of Living Lab solutions.