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Babyn Territorial Community
Rivne
Population:
The Babyn Territorial Community is located on the territory of Rivne District, Rivne Region.
The total area of the territory is 120.85 km2.
The population of the community is 7,462 people
Women: 3,972.
Men: 3,489.
IDPs: 48.
The community includes 11 population centers and has its administrative center in the village of Babyn.
History
The village of Babyn is the main population center of the community which today serves as an administrative and cultural center. The village of Babyn is located in the picturesque valley of the Horyn River. Due to its favorable geographical location, Babyn has a long history, which is closely related to the trade routes that crossed this area. Babyn’s importance is reinforced by its proximity to ancient archaeological sites, in particular to the Dorohobuzh hillfort.
The village of Dorohobuzh occupies a special place in the history of the community. One of the most valuable archaeological monuments of Ukraine is located here – the Dorohobuzh hillfort (10th-13th, 14th-17th centuries), which is an important historical object of national significance. In the 12th century, Dorohobuzh was one of the key medieval cities of Kievan Rus, its area reached 30 hectares, and the settlement itself served as the administrative and political center of the region.
During its heyday, Dorohobuzh was located on important transport routes – the waterway along the Horyn River and the land route connecting Kyiv with the Volyn Principality.
After the Mongol invasion in the 13th century, the city temporarily lost its importance, but as soon as the 14th century it was mentioned among the Volyn cities, which indicates the continuation of life in this area.
The community is famous for its rich cultural heritage, which reflects the historical and spiritual traditions of the area. Historical monuments located within the community are evidence of centuries-old processes of cultural development that took place here over the centuries. Among them, both archaeological objects and sacred buildings are of special value.
The Holy Dormition Church (14th century) is considered the only surviving structure of the old town. Today, the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (12th century, 1580, 1834) in the village of Dorogobuzh is an architectural monument of national importance.
In the village of Babyn, there is the Church of John the Theologian, built in 1839 and the village of Mnyshin has the Church of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin (1876). This stone church was built in the late 19th century and is a model of the architecture of Orthodox churches of that time. The temple impresses with its monumentality and decorative details that reflect the spirit of the era and the religious tradition of the region.
There is also a wooden church of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin (1911) in the village of Riasnyky. Built in the early 20th century, this wooden church is a vivid example of traditional Ukrainian architecture. Its elegant wooden structure reflects the skill of folk architects, as well as the community’s deep connection with Christian traditions. Sacred buildings made of wood have always been a symbol of the national heritage of Ukraine, and this church is an excellent example of such buildings.
There is the Trinity Church of the 18th century in the village of Horbakiv. One of the oldest churches in the area, the Trinity Church is a landmark of local importance. Its architectural style combines elements of Ukrainian Baroque and traditional Orthodox architecture. The church has been preserved in its authentic form, which makes it unique for architectural researchers and tourists. It is also an important spiritual center for the local community.
The Babyn community, with its cultural and historical wealth, has great tourist potential. In particular, the Dorohobuzh hillfort, architectural monuments and picturesque landscapes make this area attractive to those interested in history and culture. Tourist routes, including ancient hillforts and historic churches, can become the basis for the development of tourism in the community, attracting visitors from both Ukraine and abroad.
Economy and Welfare
Agriculture is the main area of economic development of the community, which has a significant impact on the lives of local residents and provides a stable income for many families. The main industries in which the community specializes are animal husbandry and cultivation of agricultural crops. Thanks to favorable climatic conditions and fertile soils, these industries have great potential for growth and further development.
Imeni Volovikova is one of the largest enterprises of the community, the key employer and one of the largest taxpayers in the area.
This farm specializes in livestock and crop production. The enterprise mainly grows grain crops, which are an important export product and provide a stable income.
In addition, the enterprise owns a dairy complex, where high-quality dairy products are produced and then sold both on the domestic market and abroad. The dairy industry is one of the priority areas of economic development, which constantly invests in the modernization of its production facilities and improvement of product quality.
Farms are actively developing on the territory of the community. The Riasnyky farm is one of the most successful examples. In a short time, the farm managed to grow a herd of more than 800 sheep, which is a significant achievement for this sector in the area.
Farmers also actively grow grain and leguminous crops, which complements their main activity. An important feature of these farms is not only their economic efficiency, but also close cooperation with local self-government. Farmers support local initiatives, participate in public projects and help in the development of community infrastructure. This contributes to the formation of socially responsible business and the strengthening of ties between entrepreneurs and community residents.
Thanks to its favorable geographical location and natural resources, the Babyn community has great potential for the further development of the agricultural sector. Investments in new technologies, expansion of existing enterprises and development of cooperation between farmers create opportunities for sustainable economic growth.
Community and War
Since the beginning of the full-scale russian invasion, the Babyn Territorial Community has actively supported the defenders. Volunteering covers all possible areas – from weaving camouflage nets to collecting food and making trench candles. Local cultural institutions, employees of the village council and caring residents joined their efforts to help the army.
One of the biggest areas of assistance is the production of camouflage nets. In general, the community has already produced more than 5,500 sq.m. of nets. To ensure uninterrupted operation, the community independently dyes the fabric, using only natural materials that do not melt at high temperatures.
There is a sewing workshop in the village of Horbakiv, where balaclavas, lifejackets and first-aid kits are made. Similar initiatives work in other population centers.
In the village of Illin, relief vests are sewn, and in the village of Pidlisky, canned meat, porridges and pastries are made for the military.
In addition to helping the front, the community actively supports the displaced people. A temporary shelter for IDPs was organized in the village of Tomakhiv.
In the first months of the war, they organized the collection of food, warm clothes and packages of basic necessities for fellow villagers who defended the country.
To support the military, the community organizes numerous charity events. One of the most famous is the campaign “Do good with your own hands”, where charity fairs and online auctions are held.
In 2022-2023, thanks to such measures, more than UAH 400,000 was collected for the needs of the army.
In addition, the campaign “Hand in a russian book – bring the Victory closer” was held, which included charity screenings of films and cartoons, as well as collecting books and donating waste paper in support of Ukrainian cultural initiatives.
People of the Community
The Babyn Territorial Community is headed by a confident and purposeful leader – Volodymyr Boyko.
Thanks to his leadership, the community not only grows economically, but also implements important infrastructure projects. Among the achievements of his team are the construction of the Horbakiv Lyceum, the reconstruction of the school to house a kindergarten, the development of drainage systems, shelters for the school, the dispensary and the National Medical Center. The community also significantly improved road infrastructure, street lighting and connected all villages to high-speed Internet.
All events and actions held in the community have a charitable goal – support of the military. On Mother’s Day, events are organized to honor the mothers of fallen soldiers, and on Volunteer Day, the community recognizes active volunteers who tirelessly work for victory.
People who contribute to the development of the community with their talents and efforts deserve special attention. Among them is the famous artist Khrystyna Koliada, who created paintings with flowers before the war. However, after the start of the full-scale invasion, the subject matter of her works changed.
Now Khrystyna creates a series of paintings depicting women in authentic embroidered dresses, symbolizing the protectors of the family. Her works do not have preliminary sketches, the artist works intuitively, realizing instant ideas on canvas. She donates most of the proceeds from the sale of paintings to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Olha Kviatkivska is a master puppeteer. She always dreamed of becoming a designer, and this dream was reflected in her work. She is engaged in the production of interior dolls and cooperates with the decor workshop “KONSUELO”, which specializes in home decor. Olia makes dolls for charity fairs to help children with cancer.
Larysa Avramchuk is a retired teacher, artist and poet. After the loss of her nephew Anton, who died defending Ukraine, Larysa began to write poems that became a response to the pain and losses of the war. Her poetry collection “On the edge of pain, faith, hope and love” contains poems on patriotic themes, prayers and intimate lyrics. Larysa believes that creativity helps people cope with psychological difficulties and strengthens faith in victory.
The Youth Council is active in the community. Enthusiastic young people organize various community support, charity and cultural initiatives. Their active participation and desire for change add confidence that the community’s future is in safe hands.
Thus, thanks to the joint work of the community leader, creative and active people, the Babyn territorial community continues to develop and make a significant contribution to the victory of Ukraine.
Development Strategy
The Babyn Village Council approved the Community Development Strategy until 2027, which is based on the Regional Development Strategy. The main priorities are the improvement of the living conditions of residents and the general development of the community. The goal is to create a favorable environment for life and work, as well as infrastructure development.
However, three years of war made their adjustments. The monitoring of works and activities has shown that the existing Strategy needs to be revised in order to be adapted to new challenges and opportunities. This work has already begun, and the community is actively working to revise and improve its plans.
Despite its small area, the Babyn community has vacant land where new businesses can be developed and jobs created. This is one of the key elements of development that will help improve the community’s economic potential.
Currently, the Babyn Village Council does not have international partners or sister cities, which makes it difficult to independently solve many issues. Therefore, the community is open to new partners and investors who can help in the development of infrastructure and various spheres of activity. Cooperation with foreign partners and attraction of investments are one of the important steps to ensure the sustainable development of the community.