Join the Forum Conservation & Recovery in Times of War!

In the midst of ongoing conflict, Ukraine faces a daunting challenge: preserving its rich natural heritage while combating the devastating environmental impacts of war. The Ukraine Nature Network (UNN) is a vital initiative that strives to safeguard the country’s ecological assets and foster long-term recovery. The network provides a platform for sharing resources, facilitating collaborations, and supporting the restoration of Ukraine’s ecosystems, which have been severely impacted by the ongoing war.

Ukraine Nature Network Forum: a crucial dialogue for conservation and recovery

On March 17th, 2025, experts, researchers, and practitioners will convene for the Ukraine Nature Network Forum: Conservation & Recovery in Times of War. This online event offers an invaluable opportunity to discuss the environmental toll of conflict and the strategies for mitigating damage and promoting recovery.

You can register now and be a part of this vital conversation!

Attendees will hear from those at the forefront of conservation efforts, showcasing key initiatives across diverse sectors, including soil, forests, energy, and waste management. Through case studies, lessons learned, and innovative approaches, participants will deepen their understanding of the intersection between conflict and environmental degradation. An interactive Q&A session will offer further opportunities for engagement and knowledge sharing. Translation services will ensure accessibility for both Ukrainian and international attendees.

This forum represents a unique space for collaboration, where conservationists, environmental NGOs, government agencies, and the private sector can join forces to address the environmental crisis exacerbated by war. As Ukraine faces unprecedented challenges, the Ukraine Nature Network offers a crucial lifeline for those dedicated to preserving the country’s natural resources, even in the most challenging of times.

The devastating impact of war on Ukraine’s soil and ecosystems

Since 2014, Russia’s war against Ukraine has wreaked havoc on the nation’s environment, particularly its soil. The 2022 full-scale invasion further escalated the damage, with military activities leaving behind a legacy of soil degradation, contamination, and loss of agricultural productivity. Explosions, artillery shelling, oil spills, and fires have contaminated vast swathes of land, significantly altering the landscape and affecting local livelihoods.

The effects of these military actions are far-reaching, with soil degradation threatening both the environment and public health. Soil contamination is a growing concern, as it can lead to toxic pollutants spreading through agricultural products, ultimately harming human health and ecosystems. In response to this, the Ukraine Nature Network has been instrumental in facilitating research and collaboration on soil restoration, focusing on the urgent need for policies that address the long-term impacts of war on the land.

Recent studies conducted in regions such as Kharkiv and Donetsk have provided crucial data on the ecological and geochemical state of soils in areas affected by the conflict. These studies emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to soil management and restoration, taking into account regional landscape features and land use. By employing advanced GIS technology, researchers have been able to assess the extent of contamination and propose key measures for soil recovery.

Explosive weapons and the environmental aftermath

Another major environmental concern arising from the war is the widespread use of explosive weapons in populated areas. These weapons cause extensive environmental damage, polluting air, soil, and water resources. A joint study by Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) and the Conflict and Environment Observatory (CEOBS) has highlighted the environmental consequences of explosive weapons in Kherson and Mykolaiv, two regions in southern Ukraine. The research revealed significant pollution from damaged infrastructure, agricultural risks, and ecological harm, all of which continue to reverberate long after hostilities have ceased.

The project emphasizes the need for new methodologies to assess and document the environmental impacts of armed conflict. Remote analysis, field sampling, and interviews with local stakeholders have provided vital data that will inform future remediation efforts and policy development. These findings also underscore the importance of addressing environmental degradation as part of humanitarian aid efforts, as it directly affects the health and well-being of affected populations.

Protected areas: a case study of environmental damage

The war has also severely affected Ukraine’s protected areas, including the Chornobylskyi Biosphere Reserve (REBR) and the Desniansko-Starohutskyi National Nature Park (NNP). The Chornobyl REBR, which borders Belarus, experienced direct occupation by Russian forces in the early stages of the invasion, leading to widespread fires and the contamination of vast areas. Even after the area was liberated, the threat of unexploded ordnance and land mines has made it difficult to restore and protect this ecologically sensitive region.

Similarly, the Desniansko-Starohutskyi NNP, located near the Russian border, has faced continuous shelling since the beginning of the invasion. Although the park was not occupied, the frequent bombardments have caused fires and heightened the risks of mine contamination, which severely hampers conservation efforts. Despite these challenges, certain species, such as bears and ungulates, have been recorded more frequently, suggesting that some ecological benefits may arise from the absence of human activity. However, the primary threats to biodiversity in these areas remain the fires and the ongoing security risks posed by unexploded munitions.

Please also read: Russian war against Ukraine´s nature. Part 2

Restoration and recovery: a path forward

The Ukraine Nature Network is playing a critical role in supporting post-war recovery efforts, emphasizing the need for coordinated, long-term strategies to restore damaged ecosystems. Key recommendations include developing policies for land management, cleaning up contaminated areas, and protecting biodiversity in both national parks and rural landscapes. Collaboration between environmental organizations, governmental bodies, and local communities is essential to ensure that recovery efforts are not only effective but also sustainable.

In the face of unprecedented challenges, the Ukraine Nature Network remains a beacon of hope for Ukraine’s natural heritage. By bringing together key stakeholders and sharing knowledge, this initiative is helping to ensure that conservation and recovery efforts continue, even as the country navigates the complex realities of war.

Looking to the future

As the conflict continues, the importance of preserving Ukraine’s environment cannot be overstated. The Ukraine Nature Network Forum offers a valuable opportunity for experts and activists to collaborate and share their knowledge, paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future for Ukraine. Through collective action and a commitment to environmental recovery, Ukraine can begin the difficult process of healing its land and its ecosystems, ensuring a better tomorrow for both people and nature.