The nature of the occupied South, which is being destroyed by Russians

In the occupied territories of the Ukrainian South, Russians are destroying the ecosystem, burning down forests, and killing rare animals: mouflon, antelope, and deer.

To explain the importance of the bays, protected steppes, flora and fauna, Ukraїner has compiled its archival stories about the nature of southern Ukraine into one video. The authors hope that this will open up the South to those who have never been there and cannot now.

"In our research, which was filmed before the full-scale invasion, we recorded protected areas that are unfortunately under occupation today. We understand that the enemy is unlikely to take care of these territories as we could," said Yevhen Dovhaliuk, a volunteer with Ukraïner, in his introduction.

Through these videos, he offered to observe how beautiful it was there.

With the authors of the project, you will visit the oldest steppe biosphere reserve on the planet, Askania-Nova, again, and for the first time. You will conquer the elements of water and wind in the Yahorlytsky Bay. Visit the Meotida Nature Park, where the seabed used to be. Visit the desert, which is located 25 kilometers from the Black Sea coast - Oleshky Sands.

Today, the Askania Nova reserve is located on the occupied territory. Almost 7,000 square kilometers of the reserve burned down during the occupation, including due to the war (whether it was an air defense bomb or a missile, it is not known for sure). It is also known that the occupiers stole 20 rare animals. In addition, many animals die due to the negligence of the occupation pseudo-administration.

In addition, the occupation administration announced its intention to create a new landfill near Oleshky Sands. This decision was made due to the overload of landfills in Crimea, where most of the waste from the left-bank part of Kherson region is currently being transported.

Half of the territory ofthe Meotyda Park, including the Kryva Spit, was occupied by Russians back in 2014. And, according to Oleksandr Bronskov, head of the national park's research department, in 2015, demonstration military exercises were held right on it.

"It's probably not necessary to explain that after that, Dalmatian pelicans no longer settle there, and only a few thousand of the total number of various birds of one hundred thousand remain," the scientist added.

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