Environmental Impact of the War in Ukraine

Environmental Impact of the War in Ukraine: How the Conflict is Destroying Nature

The war in Ukraine has devastated the country’s environment. Pollution, habitat destruction, and damage to protected areas is constantly leaving long-lasting scars. This post explores the environmental consequences of the war and the urgent need for conservation and restoration.

Pollution and Destruction

The war has caused massive pollution. Explosions at industrial plants, energy facilities, and refineries released toxic chemicals into the air, soil, and water. According to the UN Environment Programme, thousands of pollution incidents have been recorded. The destruction of sewage systems and industrial plants worsened the situation, leading to widespread contamination of rivers and groundwater. This pollution threatens public health and makes large areas of land unusable for agriculture.

Water contamination is one of the most urgent issues. Explosions at factories and industrial facilities released harmful chemicals into water systems, posing a risk to both people and wildlife. The pollution also harms Ukraine’s agriculture, as much of the soil is now too toxic to use.

Impact on Biodiversity and Protected Areas

Ukraine has over 80,000 square kilometers of protected areas, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Ramsar wetlands. The war has damaged about 30% of these areas. Around 900 protected sites are at risk of destruction. Steppe and wetland ecosystems, home to unique species, have been severely damaged.

Military activity has impacted protected areas like Desniansko-Starohutskyi and Hetmanskyi National Parks. Heavy metals from military equipment have contaminated soils. The movement of tanks and other vehicles has caused soil erosion and destroyed vegetation, making it difficult for ecosystems to recover .

The Kakhovka Dam Disaster

The destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Station in June 2023 became one of the worst environmental disasters of the war. The flooding affected 48 protected sites, including Ramsar wetlands and National Parks. The Black Sea Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, was also impacted.

The flood caused widespread contamination of water sources and destroyed habitats. Thousands of animals died, and pollutants were washed into the Black Sea, further damaging marine ecosystems. The intentional flooding of protected areas showed how natural resources have been used as weapons in this conflict.

Damage to National Parks and Ramsar Sites

Ukraine’s National Parks and Ramsar wetlands have been hit hard by the war. Fires caused by shelling have damaged parks like the Chornobyl Radiation and Ecological Biosphere Reserve and Desniansko-Starohutskyi National Park. In some areas, nearly all park territory has been occupied by Russian forces, leading to severe damage.

Military vehicles, artillery, and fortification construction have caused soil erosion and contamination. Heavy metals and other pollutants have entered the soil and water systems, making it difficult for these areas to recover. In addition, unexploded ordnance and landmines pose long-term risks to both people and wildlife.

Soil Contamination and Degradation

The war has also caused significant soil contamination. Soils in battle zones have been polluted with heavy metals such as lead, zinc, and manganese. Military vehicles and trench construction have further degraded the soil, making it less fertile and more prone to erosion. This contamination threatens biodiversity and makes it harder for Ukraine’s ecosystems to regenerate.

Soil compaction caused by tanks and other heavy machinery has destroyed topsoil, limiting the ability of vegetation to grow. The war has left many areas too toxic for agricultural use, and the land may take decades to recover.

Still, many protected areas continue functioning and doing their best to fulfil nature conservation, education and many other purposes.

The Path Forward: Restoration and Recovery

Restoring Ukraine’s environment will be a massive undertaking. Over 29,000 square kilometers of protected areas in the Emerald Network are at risk. Experts are calling for international support to help restore damaged ecosystems and implement sustainable conservation practices.

A “Marshall Plan for Environmental Reconstruction” will be essential for Ukraine’s recovery. Cleaning up pollution, removing landmines, and restoring ecosystems will require advanced techniques, such as bioremediation, to remove contaminants from the soil. International cooperation will be key in ensuring that Ukraine can rebuild its environment and create a sustainable future.

Conclusion

The war in Ukraine has caused widespread environmental damage that will affect ecosystems, wildlife, and human health for years. The destruction of protected areas, the pollution of water sources, and the contamination of soils pose long-term challenges. However, with international cooperation and restoration efforts, there is hope for Ukraine to rebuild its natural landscapes and create a healthier, more sustainable future.

European Wilderness Society supports nature conservation efforts in Ukraine, particularly considering its international importance and value, including partners of the European Wilderness Network, Vlado Vancura, Wilderness Director at European Wilderness Society.