International Scientific Center "Observatory" on the Mount Pip Ivan – platform for the development of the Carpathian region

Project description

The project is aimed at ensuring the development of the Carpathian region through the formation by Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University and Warsaw University on the basis of the International Scientific Center "Observatory" on the Mount Pip Ivan a unique space of interaction between science, culture, creative industries, security, ecology, tourism, etc.

The Carpathian region is one of the most attractive geographical regions of Central and Eastern Europe, which has strategic importance in the development of territories of various countries. And the high-altitude location of the Observatory makes it a unique scientific center in Europe. There are only about 400 astronomical observatories in the world, and 6 active ones in Ukraine.

Universities are still the only structures that can comprehensively and deeply cover the problems of the Carpathian region. 7 universities, including Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, are part of the consortium Collegium Carpathicum.

The project already received grants from the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage of the Republic of Poland. According to the purpose of the grant, the funds were used to assess the technical condition of the building, create an architectural project, construction and restoration work.

Economic justification The economic benefits of the project are reflected in the improvement of the institutional component of tourism development in the region, in particular mountain tourism related to the organization of climbing Mount Pip Ivan; historical tourism related to the restoration and popularization of an architectural heritage monument; scientific tourism related to the functioning of an observatory in the field of astronomy and meteorological observations; the development of human potential of rescuers, which will lead in the future to an increase in the level of tourism safety in this territory; a base for various kinds of practices of students; assistance in increasing the share of the tourism industry in the gross regional product and gross value added of the region by 1.5% - 2%; increasing the level of innovation and competitiveness of the economy of the Ivano-Frankivsk region and the Carpathian region.

The project provides for the following main activities that will potentially contribute to the development of the Carpathian region:

1. Development of the functionality of the astronomical observatory, satellite support of space agencies, namely:
   • conducting fundamental and applied research on astronomical and space topics by scientific institutions of Ukraine and foreign countries;
   • determining the distance to satellites in order to correct orbits during the launch of new spacecrafts;
   • use of the observatory to improve the level of national security in the space industry;
   • organization of tourist and astronomical tours for scientists, students and interested parties in space exploration.
2. Weather observation, sale of weather information for air carriers, namely:
   • conducting meteorological measurements and observations, and studying climate change;
   • sale of weather information for air carriers;
   • provision of meteorological services in the field of agrometeorology, implementation of meteorological forecasts and hydrometeorological support;
   • operation of a weather station system that provides verified data in meteorological applications;
   • organization of student internships of various specialties.
3. Eco tourism: ecology and safety in the development of tourism industry, namely:
   • creating an exclusive travel product;
   • creation and maintenance of the social enterprise “Carpathian Lynx”;
   • assistance to the operation of the rescue post of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Ivano-Frankivsk region;
   • conducting research in the field of ecology;
   • formation of ecological consciousness of the population;
   • development of cluster initiatives in the field of creative industries and tourism of Ivano-Frankivsk region.

Net present value (NPV) UAH 564,602

Internal rate of return (IRR) is 18.2 %

Discounted payback period (DPP) is 8 years

The project is self-sustaining.

Estimated project cost

Estimated project cost UAH 67,475,866

Sources of funding

Public-private partnership, private investment, grant funds (available UAH 10 million), state budget

Additional information

Website of the project https://observatorium.pnu.edu.ua

Project initiator

Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, Ivano-Frankivsk Regional State Administration, Project partners: Department of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Ivano-Frankivsk region, Carpathian National Nature Park, Podkarpackie Voivodeship (Poland), Bieszczady Mountain Volunteer Rescue Service (Poland), University of Warsaw (Poland).