Ust-Putyla Territorial Community

History

The administrative centre is the village of Ust-Putyla, with the first mentions dating back to 1443.

The most notable landmark of the village is the Church of St. Paraskeva, built in 1881 (or, according to some sources, 1896) in the typical Bukovynian school style of folk architecture, located along the main road in the village centre. It was constructed with funds from devoted parishioners.

Economy and Welfare

Located amidst the Bukovynian Carpathians, the community’s economy is primarily based on woodworking.

Traditional for the community, as for the Carpathian region in general, are sheep and cattle farming. These are typically private peasant households. Dairy products are used for personal consumption and sale.

Berry and mushroom picking in the summer is also popular.

The community is actively developing tourism: residents, inspired by the success of pilot projects in this sector, are increasingly engaging in forming local tourism infrastructure, expanding offerings for accommodation, recreation, and entertainment for visitors.

The community features a tourist complex and several homesteads offering authentic Hutsul cuisine and local charm. 

The community has a well-developed educational network, including 6 schools and 2 kindergartens (with 2 additional kindergartens operating within schools), and a healthcare network consisting of five paramedic-midwifery posts and two general practice family medicine outpatient clinics. 

Upholding ancestral traditions, community residents observe rituals during religious holidays.

Every year, large communal celebrations and festivities take place to mark the day of each village. 

One of the most fascinating festivals in Bukovyna, the folk-ethnographic festival-fair “Zakharetskyi Garchyk,” initiated by the “Bukvytsia” public organization, also takes place here. 

During this day, all activities are accompanied by sincere, witty Hutsul humour unique to the region. Jokes are enhanced by Hutsul kolomyiky songs and musical accompaniment from various traditional instruments.

The Community and the War

Despite its distance from the front line, the community has been a reliable rear support for those in need since the first days of the war. Since the full-scale invasion began, 1,120 internally displaced persons have been received, with 118 remaining as permanent residents.

Residents actively contribute to supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine by organizing charity fairs, collecting funds, humanitarian aid, food, medicines, and clothing. Educational and cultural institutions regularly hold events aimed at supporting the military and families of defenders.

People of the Community

The head of the Ust-Putyla community is Mariia Iliuk. She has led the community since its establishment, driven by a sincere motivation to work for the unity of residents and the development of the territory. Her management style is based on partnership and openness – Mariia Iliuk actively collaborates with local activists, uniting proactive individuals around common ideas. 

A significant factor in the community’s development has been the support of the USAID DOBRE programme, which facilitated the initial steps in building a strong and cohesive community.

Development Strategy

The Ust-Putyla community is focused on sustainable development, preserving the natural environment, and improving residents’ quality of life. Key priorities include:

• Development of tourism and green homesteads,
  
• Support for local businesses and crafts,
• Modernization of educational and medical institutions,
• Infrastructure development and improved transport connectivity,
• Preservation of ecological balance in the mountainous region.
  

The community participates in regional development programmes, attracts grant resources to improve living conditions, create new jobs, and promote the tourism potential of the Carpathians.

Sources

• Official materials of the Ust-Putyla Village Council