This research is an exploration of the case studies of social initiatives that are emerging in Ukraine at the time of current crisis. It explores the roots, reasons, motivations of these initiatives as well as its potential to propose alternative tools and mechanisms of living to the broader society. These tools and mechanisms are further explored though degrowth and also sustainability theoretical lenses; introducing sustainable development goals of UN as a analytical framework.

Methodologically, the research is based on the case study analysis of four social initiatives from Ukraine, complemented by semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions to allow for in-depth analysis of these cases. In addition, a short documentary film (recorded during the field work and interviews in Ukraine) provides an additional visual support during the presentation.

In general, this study seeks to unite literature on degrowth, sustainability as well as grassroots innovations. It also brings into the field cases from Ukraine, a country that is not often analyzed, especially from sustainability or degrowth perspectives.

This media entry was a contribution to the special session „Global village – stories from Ukraine“ at the 5th International Degrowth Conference in Budapest in 2016.