Askania Nova Biosphere Reserve Devastated: 7,000 km² Burned, 20 Rare Animals Kidnapped

The war in southern Ukraine has brought not only human losses, but also catastrophic environmental consequences for the Askania Nova Biosphere Reserve. The removal of animals, fires, and pollution of steppe ecosystems were the result of uncontrolled management by the occupation authorities.

This was reported by Radio Liberty.

In March 2023, Russia completed the seizure of the Askania-Nova Biosphere Reserve in the Kherson region, which was one of the biggest losses for the Ukrainian environment. Since then, the reserve, which is a unique natural site of global significance, has been subject to political and environmental exploitation.

The seizure took place when the so-called "acting governor" of Kherson region, Volodymyr Saldo, along with other representatives of the occupation authorities, re-registered the reserve under Russian law. Simultaneously with the registration, the scientific and administrative staff that remained in Ukraine were forced to move to Kyiv.

According to the reserve's director, Viktor Shapoval, the staff continues to carry out research programs and monitor the reserve's condition using remote methods, including satellite imagery.

However, the situation on the ground, under the control of the occupiers, is critical. Unprofessional management and disregard for environmental standards have led to serious problems. In particular, in 2023, several large-scale fires occurred in the reserve, caused by both hostilities and neglect of security. One of the fires, caused by a falling rocket fragment, almost led to a tragedy - animals kept in special pens could have died if they had not been moved to a safer area.

Pollution and destruction of ecosystems and plowing of the steppe cause irreparable damage to the local flora and fauna. Some animals, such as zebras, bison and Przewalski's horses, were transported to Russia or occupied Crimea. Dozens of animals, including ostriches, deer, and buffaloes, were killed in the fighting.

Environmental authorities have documented numerous cases of violations of laws governing nature protection, including the illegal export of rare animals, which is a violation of international conventions. Violations are not limited to the physical destruction of natural resources, but also include cultural and scientific plunder. Therefore, the violation of environmental laws has become another component of Russia's war crime, and the trial of collaborators has already begun.

During the occupation, almost 7,000 square kilometers of the reserve's territory burned down, in particular due to military operations. In addition, it is known that 20 rare animals were kidnapped by the occupiers, as well as numerous cases of animal deaths due to the negligence of the pseudo-administration.

Also, the occupation "director" of the Askania-Nova reserve will be tried for the illegal export of rare animals. The prosecutor's office qualifies these actions as a war crime - looting and violation of international conventions, and the total amount of damage is estimated at 85.2 million hryvnias.

Анна Бальчінос