The International Scientific Field Seminar Polonina Management in the High Carpathians: Ecological Significance, Biodiversity Conservation, and Contemporary Approaches to Managing Mountain Ecosystems was held on 7–9 July 2026 at the International Scientific Center "Observatory", also known as the White Elephant, on Mount Pip Ivan (2,028 m a.s.l.) in the Chornohora Range—one of the most important scientific and historical landmarks of the Eastern Carpathians.

The seminar brought together researchers from the University of Rzeszów and the Vasyl Stefanyk Carpathian National University in Ivano-Frankivsk. The Ukrainian delegation was led by Dr. Myroslava Mylenka, Director of the International Scientific Center "Observatory", while the Polish delegation included Prof. Idalia Kasprzyk, Dr. Agata Ćwik, and Dr. Agnieszka Podolak. Participants toured the Center's research facilities and discussed opportunities for future joint research projects. During the meeting, Prof. Idalia Kasprzyk presented the objectives of the RID "Excellent Podkarpacie" programme and shared the results of research conducted within the programme on tourists' perceptions of mountain pasture landscapes in Poland.

The scientific session, Mountain Pasture Management in Contemporary Conditions: Between Nature Conservation, Tradition, and Sustainable Development, focused on the current state of high-mountain ecosystems in the Carpathians, the ecological importance of mountain pasture management, biodiversity conservation, and modern approaches to ecosystem monitoring. The participants also explored opportunities for strengthening Polish-Ukrainian scientific cooperation. The seminar concluded with a field workshop at Polonina Hażyna, where participants examined the role of mountain pastures in preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the Carpathians and discussed contemporary approaches to their sustainable management. The workshop was honoured by the participation of Professor Igor Tsependa, Honorary Doctor of the University of Rzeszów, who, as Rector of the Vasyl Stefanyk Carpathian National University, played a key role in the reconstruction of the historic observatory.