In occupied Balaklava, large-scale construction near a protected area has been approved

In annexed Balaklava (Crimea), the occupying authorities are preparing a site on Mount Tavros for the construction of a nine- to ten-story “yacht village.” They plan to begin this large-scale construction project right next to the Karan Nature Reserve. 

This was reported by Krym.Realii.

Buildings up to 26 meters tall will be permitted at this site, with some structures reaching up to 35 meters. The investor’s name has not been disclosed.

Construction will begin at “Marmurovy” Beach and proceed toward “Vasyliv” and the quarry. The buildings will occupy 30% of the total area bordering the protected zone of the Karan Nature Reserve. Red-List plants grow here, including juniper and the blunt-leaved pistachio.

Due to the construction work, the slopes near the ancient “Tavros Settlement” site will have to be altered, and archaeological finds will have to be excavated from there. Meanwhile, the occupying authorities are concealing whether the forest there will be preserved.

These 48 hectares of land were previously seized through the courts from a company linked to Yanukovych’s son. Even before the occupation, there were plans to build a large “Balaklava Green” complex here—featuring hotels and parks—for businessman Vadym Novynskyi, but this project was put on hold after the annexation of Crimea in 2014.

As Intent previously reported, in occupied Crimea, the Russians have “nationalized” another 10 enterprises and facilities belonging to Ukrainian citizens. Among the appropriated properties were a health resort on the Southern Coast of Crimea, a factory in Yalta, and a food distribution center.

Юлія Калабайда