Illegal Plowing Destroys 2.96 Hectares of Protected Steppe in Odesa

The destruction of a unique natural ecosystem was recorded within theTuzly Estuaries National Nature Park in Odesa Oblast.

This was reported by Vadym Samson, head of the Shahanske Environmental Research Department, on the national park's website.

Thus, the farm "Chebanenko S.I.-1" illegally plowed almost 3 hectares of steppe territory near the Malyi Sasyk estuary - in the coastal protection zone near the famous recreational area "Raseika".

The official emphasized that this land belongs to the state-owned water fund, and part of it is the territory of the national park. The plowing was carried out without any permits, in fact, it was squatting.

According to him, the violation was recorded in March 2025 by park specialists in the presence of a representative of the Lyman village council and a land surveyor. The total area of the illegally cultivated plot is 2.96 hectares, of which 0.62 hectares is part of the protected area.

An administrative report was drawn up against the head of the farm and the case was referred to the Tatarbunary District Court under Article 91 of the Code of Administrative Offenses for violating the rules of nature reserve protection. Environmentalists also assessed the damage - the amount of damage is a whopping UAH 1 billion 369 million.

The park appealed to the Odesa Regional State Administration, as the lands of the water fund are their area of responsibility. A message was also sent to the EcoThreats platform.

Experts emphasized that the destruction of the steppe is not just a violation, it is the loss of an invaluable part of Ukrainian nature that will be impossible to restore. The steppe is home to unique plants, some of which are listed in the Red Book. But many farmers perceive these lands as "weeds" that need to be "cultivated."

Meanwhile, a farmer from Izmail district is accused of unauthorized seizure of a land plot near Lake Katlabukh in Odesa region. The case against him has been sent to court. A similar case occurred in Mykolaiv region. A 65-year-old resident of Mykolaiv is accused of taking possession of another's property on a large scale by fraud and forgery. The case was sent to court.

Ірина Глухова