The area of the Kakhovka Reservoir could become the largest nature reserve

The area of the former Kakhovka Reservoir could become Ukraine’s largest nature reserve. It covers approximately 215,000 hectares and consists primarily of undisturbed natural terrain.

Ivan Moysienko, head of the Department of Botany at Kherson State University, Doctor of Biological Sciences, and professor, spoke about this in a comment toIntent.

“Not one of the largest, but the largest,” said the scientist, responding to a question about the possible status of the former reservoir’s territory.

According to him, the territory of the former Kakhovka Sea covers about 215,000 hectares. At the same time, unlike some large nature reserves, there are no cities, villages, or fields here.

“These 215,000 hectares are a purely natural area. There are no fields, no villages, and no cities there,” noted Moisienko.

The scientist believes that it is precisely this feature that makes it possible to consider creating Ukraine’s largest nature reserve complex.

Previously, Moysienko proposed setting aside about 200,000 hectares of the former reservoir for wildlife and the restoration of the Velykyi Luh. The rest of the territory, in his view, could be used to create several smaller reservoirs.

The natural restoration of the area is already underway. In particular, willow and poplar forests are spreading across the bottom of the former reservoir.

According to the biologist, these forests are of conservation importance in Europe and constitute a rare ecosystem. They form at the interface between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and provide habitat for a large number of plant and animal species.

Ірина Глухова