600 animal species face extinction in Ukraine, – country’s environment minister

Source: Interfax-Ukraine

Ukraine’s natural environment faces unprecedented risks due to the ongoing war, with at least 600 animal species and 750 plant and fungi species, many of which have a protection status, are facing exentsion.  In her comments for Interfax-Ukraine, country’s environment minister Svitlana Hrynchuk, revealed the devastating effect of the war on Ukraine’s ecosystems. Eight hundred natural reserves and protected areas have sustained severe damage, while over 500 others remain under occupation.

The Russian aggression has impacted 0.9 million hectares of Ukraine’s protected areas and placed another 0.8 million hectares under occupation. This includes two biosphere reserves, eight nature reserves, and ten national parks.

Assessments of ecological damage anf future restoration plans will require a colossal effort. According to Hrynchuk, accurate evaluations will be possible after extensive mine-clearing campaign—a process that experts believe could take decades.

The Emerald Network, a European conservation initiative, also faces devastating threats, with 2.9 million hectares that are spanning 160 areas under siege.  Seventeen wetlands that have an international protection status also face critical damage.

While some natural ecosystems may begin to recover slowly, others will require detailed long-term restoration plans.