We plan to investigate geographic distribution, ecological features and modern condition as well as structure of populations of rare aquatic ferns in Ukraine. Results of its researches will be basis for:

1) identification of causes of rarity of these species,

2) creation of protected territories networks in their natural habitats and neighbourhood,

3) development of special protected regime in its places. Also we plan to several scientific and popular scientific publications.

It will be 1) scientific monograph “The aquatic ferns in Ukraine” with full information about natural habitats of these species and recommendations to its conservation, 2) several types of colour information bulletins which will inform local population about importance of aquatic ferns conservation with plant pictures, species’ map distribution and short descriptions of the main problems in their protection and 3) in order to raise level of ecological consciousness of local population we plan to publish a few popular science articles in Ukrainian popular journals and local newspapers too. Besides we plan to organize several lessons about aquatic ferns and importance of their saving for local children on the base of the Shatsky National Natural Park and the Dunabe Biosphere Reserve. Also we plan to conduct the screening of the aquatic ferns collections of the Ukrainian botanical gardens in order to ascertain the existing funds of these plants which we will be able to use for repatriation the natural populations if it will be necessary.

But, the main goal of our project is creation of protected territories networks for conservation of aquatic ferns’ natural habitats; therefore we will prepare all need scientific documents for it and to pass them to the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Ukraine. Key outcomes of the work: - inventory of the aquatic ferns habitats (basis for the development of scientific grounded measures for conservation of the aquatic ferns species in Ukraine); - creation of the network of protected areas which included the natural habitats of aquatic ferns and perspective for spreading of these plants adjacent areas (effective measures with long-lasting contribution which allow not only to protect the aquatic ferns species in the known habitats, but also will help to spread the space of their populations into new areas); - raise of ecological consciousness of the local population contributes of preservation of water areas (it will positively affect to the both conditions of aquatic ferns habitats and the water ecosystems).