From Destruction to Renewal: The Ecological Revival of Velykyi Luh After the Kakhovka Disaster
Once, along the banks of the Dnipro River, one of Ukraine’s most remarkable natural landscapes thrived — the Great Meadow (Velykyi Luh). This expansive area, stretching over 100,000 hectares, was a haven for biodiversity, featuring a network of rivers, wetlands, and dense vegetation. It was home to a wide range of endemic plant and animal species. However, this vital ecosystem was submerged when the Kakhovka Reservoir was created between 1955 and 1958, forever altering the landscape.
Velykyi Luh, rich in natural and historical significance, was not only a biological treasure but also a cultural and historical site, with numerous monuments related to the Zaporizhzhia Sich. Yet, after the construction of the reservoir, the region vanished from public knowledge, sequestered under water for nearly seven decades. However, on June 6, 2023, the Kakhovka Dam was destroyed by Russian military forces. The draining of the reservoir in a matter of weeks has put Ukraine in front of an important decision: Restore the area as a natural ecosystem or build a new hydroelectric power plant by filling the reservoir? Restoring Velykyi Luh to its natural state is not only environmentally sound but also a critical step in healing the damage caused by the ongoing conflict.
Please also read: Environmental Impact of the War in Ukraine
The Impact of Reservoirs on the Dnipro River Ecosystem
The creation of reservoirs along the Dnipro River in the 20th century caused significant disruptions to the natural flow and ecology of the river. The destruction of the Kakhovka Dam marked a turning point, initiating the process of returning the Dnipro floodplain to its natural state. Removing dams and allowing natural river processes to resume is now a recognized best practice in ecosystem restoration.
For example, even 20 km from the reservoir, rising groundwater levels threatened agricultural lands, flooding orchards and meadows. In 1957 alone, over 6,700 hectares of orchards and farms were submerged. Over the decades, soil salinity levels increased, further compounding the environmental damage. The restoration of native vegetation in these areas can be seen as a critical part of reversing this long-term ecological harm.
The Push for Ecosystem Restoration in Europe
Across Europe, the concept of ecosystem restoration has gained significant traction as a cornerstone of sustainable development. In recent years, European nations have taken bold steps to address climate change and ensure the future of their natural landscapes. The European Commission’s EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030, introduced in May 2020, set ambitious targets, including the protection of 30% of land and marine areas, the restoration of 10% of agricultural land to its natural state, and the restoration of at least 25,000 km of free-flowing rivers.
The Kakhovka Dam’s destruction has brought new environmental challenges to Ukraine, including the collapse of fish populations and the disruption of aquatic ecosystems. The once-thriving fish stocks were washed out into the Black Sea, and benthic fauna, aquatic vegetation, and bird colonies were wiped out. The drained lands have also impacted protected national parks. However, much of the area affected is classified as an internationally protected zone, which could support future restoration efforts.

A Vision for Restoring Velykyi Luh
Despite the stark appearance of the drained reservoir bottom, often portrayed as a barren “desert,” the region’s environmental recovery is already underway. The land previously occupied by the reservoir was not a natural ecosystem but a human-made structure that disrupted the natural processes of the floodplain for 70 years. The so-called “desert” is, in fact, a temporary phase, and the area is already beginning to show signs of natural regeneration. Over time, this land will likely transform into one of the largest natural wildlife reserves in Ukraine’s steppe zone.
Bird habitats, for example, have already started to flourish in the first year after the waters receded. Research in some areas of the former reservoir indicates that vegetation has started to recover within a month. Additionally, studies near Kamianska Sich National Park found that native species, particularly the white willow (Salix alba), are rapidly outcompeting invasive species on the dry reservoir bed.
Restoring vegetation in the region presents significant challenges, particularly when it comes to seed distribution. While aquatic and wetland plants will likely thrive with the assistance of natural dispersal methods, the restoration of meadow and forest ecosystems will depend on seed availability and the role of animals in spreading them. Wind-dispersed plants, like the white willow, will likely be the first to establish themselves.
The Long Road to Ecological Recovery
Although predicting the exact timeline of ecological recovery is difficult, there is cause for optimism. In the coming years, aquatic and coastal vegetation will recover rapidly. On land, invasive plant species will dominate for a while, but within 5-10 years, the first forests of willows, alders, and ash maples will begin to form. Over time, the area will likely develop into a diverse ecosystem, with the first trees giving way to more sustainable forest habitats. Grasslands and meadows will require more time, as their recovery will be influenced by human land-use policies.
Building a new hydroelectric plant in the region would recreate the same environmental problems that plagued the area for decades. It would disturb the sediment, render the area unsuitable for fish farming, and undo any progress made in the recovery of the landscape. Nature, however, is already moving forward with its own restoration process, and the land is rapidly becoming a diverse ecosystem once again.
A New Beginning for Kakhovka
Already, one-third of the former reservoir’s area is beginning to cover with dense willow sprouts, and animals like wild boar, roe deer, and hares are moving into the region. As these species proliferate, biodiversity will continue to grow. Within 30 years, this area could become a thriving forest ecosystem, complete with oxbow lakes and channels, while the overall ecosystem could reach stability within 80 years.
14 Ukrainian environmental organizations have joined forces to create the Kakhovka Platform, a coalition focused on creating strategies for the integrated recovery of the area around the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant. Their goal is to ensure that the region’s ecological restoration proceeds in a sustainable and holistic manner, benefiting both nature and local communities. In conclusion, the Kakhovka Reservoir’s draining has created both significant challenges and incredible opportunities for ecological renewal. By prioritizing the restoration of Velykyi Luh, Ukraine can help heal some of the environmental wounds caused by the ongoing conflict and pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future.
The European Wilderness Society supports Ukraine’s nature succession processes and promotes biodiversity improvements.
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