The war has affected 812 sites within the nature reserve fund, accounting for over 20% of Ukraine’s protected areas. This was reported by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine, according to ProAgro Group.

514 sites within the nature reserve fund, covering an area of 0.8 million hectares, remain occupied. The Russians have destroyed the entire protected zone (1,588 hectares) of the steppe section of the Dzharylgach National Nature Park. Two wetlands of international importance have been virtually destroyed: the ‘Archipelago of Velyki and Mali Kuchugury’ and the ‘Sim Mayakiv Floodplain’.

2.9 million hectares of the Emerald Network – 160 sites that form part of Europe’s nature conservation network and are protected under EU and Council of Europe legislation – are at risk of destruction. Seventeen wetlands of international importance (protected under the Ramsar Convention) are at risk; they hold this status due to their unique biodiversity.

Habitats of flora and fauna species listed in the Red Book of Ukraine and the European Red List of animal and plant species threatened with extinction on a global scale have been damaged.

“This list and the scale of the losses may grow, as hostilities are still ongoing in parts of Ukraine, whilst the rest of the country remains under occupation or awaits demining,” noted the Ministry of Environment.