Reserves of the South cooperate to preserve and restore nature

The Budzhak Village Council, the Askania-Nova Biosphere Reserve named after F.E. Falz-Fein, and the NGO Rewilding Ukraine have signed a memorandum of trilateral cooperation to preserve and restore the unique nature of southern Ukraine.

According to the NGO, the purpose of the memorandum is to create a Center for the Restoration of Steppe Biodiversity, which will become a powerful center for the conservation of rare animals, birds, reptiles and steppe ecosystems in general.

"The center will also promote community development, support traditional economy, and integrate nature into tourism and education," the statement said.

Main areas of cooperation

• Restoration of degraded areas of the steppe with the participation of scientists from theAskania-Nova Reserve.
• Creation of adaptation enclosures for kulan, saiga, deer, as well as marmots, gophers, hamsters and rare steppe birds, including the blackbird and the steppe crane.
• Development of an experimental herd of Ukrainian gray cattle and support for traditional pasture-based cattle and sheep breeding.
• Development of a research unit and infrastructure for semi-free keeping of rare animals.
• Preservation of the cultural heritage of the region and its integration into tourist routes.
• Conducting awareness-raising activities on the value of the steppe for sustainable development.

"The loss of steppe biodiversity is a global problem that requires solutions at the local level. The center will become a platform for research, cooperation, and practical actions to restore unique steppe species," the project initiators say.

In addition, Rewilding Ukraine reported that in partnership withAskania-Nova, they are already working to return kulans, fallow deer, marmots, hamsters, and other steppe inhabitants that were once an integral part of the Tarutino Steppe to the wild.

"It's not just about nature, it's about our future, the interaction of science, community, and the state for sustainable development and preservation of national wealth," the NGO added.

Олеся Ланцман