Development of the Faculty of Geography at Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University during the Period of Ukrainian Independence (1991–2025)

This publication aims to shed light on the development of the Faculty of Geography at Chernivtsi Yuriy Fedkovych National University during the years of Ukrainian independence (1991–2025). It is stated that, although geographical education and science were established there as early as 1876, the highest stage of development for the Faculty of Geography occurred precisely during the period of Ukraine’s independent growth. These were the years when the number of seekers for higher education exceeded 2020 people (2009-2010), and over 80 lecturers were giving courses. The Faculty of Geography expanded to seven departments (Physical Geography, Geomorphology and Paleogeography; Economic Geography and Ecological Management; Geography of Ukraine and Regional Studies; Hydrometeorology and Water Resources; Geography and Management of Tourism; Social Geography and Recreational Nature Use; and Geodesy, Cartography, and Management of Territories). The start was given to 18 educational programs in 11 specialties and five subject areas. It was a time of intense scientific research within national and international grant programs, with the most durable project entitled “Historical and Ethnographic Heritage as Part of the Sustainable Development of Tourism in Bukovyna (HERITAGE) (MIS-ETC Code 829)” (2012–2023). Facilities and resources of the Faculty of Geography were significantly strengthened, particularly with the construction of two testing grounds for student practices in Myhove, Prykarpattia. The present-day problems faced by the Faculty of Geography at Chernivtsi Yuriy Fedkovych National University are as follows: a reduction in the number of students to be enrolled, the closure of some specialties and specializations, and insufficient academic activity among higher education seekers and lecturers. The solution to these problems is closely connected with the perspectives of further growth of the Faculty of Geography.