Due to the war, Ukraine has lost over 272,000 hectares of marine protected waters
As a result of Russian aggression, Ukraine has suffered significant losses in the field of environmental protection, losing more than 272,000 hectares of marine waters belonging to the природно-заповідний фонд (nature reserve fund).
According to the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, all protected coastal areas of the Black Sea, covering about 460,000 hectares, are currently located in combat zones, leading to numerous environmental problems.
Among Ukraine’s most valuable protected areas are the Dzharylhatskyi National Nature Park, the Kinburn Spit, and others. Scientists note that the situation is worsening due to uncontrolled resource exploitation and pollution of marine waters.
Snake Island has suffered the greatest losses, while oil pollution has been recorded in the Danube Biosphere Reserve. At the same time, researchers have also observed some positive changes, including the recovery of sturgeon populations.
Authorized scientific institutions emphasize the need to update Ukraine’s marine conservation strategy and to develop new environmental programs after the end of hostilities.
This includes a systematic assessment of environmental damage, a methodology that has not been revised since 1986, highlighting the urgent need for reforms in this sector.
