The Species Caught Up in Ukraine’s Stand Against Russia
In the aftermath of Russia’s invasion, Ukraine’s pursuit of environmental justice has become a multifaceted effort involving legal action, artistic expression, and the conservation of the sandy blind mole-rat. The collapse of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric reservoir and dam in June 2023, attributed to Russian occupation, resulted in extensive flooding and destruction, constituting Ukraine’s most significant environmental disaster since the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant explosion in 1986. The subsequent loss of water for agricultural irrigation impacted global food security, contributed to biodiversity loss, and displaced landmines.
The sandy blind mole-rat, an endangered species native to southern Ukraine, experienced a 50% decline in its population, symbolizing the environmental toll of Russian aggression. The catastrophic aftermath has spurred calls for environmental justice, framing it as an integral part of Ukraine‘s resistance against Russian actions. With Ukraine now the world’s largest mined territory, approximately 2,000 environmentally protected areas are under Russian occupation, underscoring the extensive environmental damage.
Ongoing efforts to document and investigate the war-induced harm include platforms like Ecodozor, which maps the consequences and risks of the conflict. Despite the prevailing grief, public awareness of the environmental impacts has been growing, driven by government initiatives and cultural events. Environmental concerns have contributed to Ukraine’s resistance against external forces, echoing historical sentiments related to the Chornobyl disaster.
Ukraine’s heightened environmental consciousness is evident in the aftermath of the Kakhovka disaster, evoking grief not only for human lives and homes lost but also for submerged ecosystems. Artistic exhibitions, such as Ukraine’s representation at the Venice Architecture Biennale and the Kyiv Biennial 2023, have focused on the environmental ramifications of the war. Fundraising initiatives, like the Ukrainian Nature Conservation Group’s campaign for the Askania-Nova reserve and UAnimals’ Animalism online shop, demonstrate efforts to support the conservation and rescue of animals affected by the conflict.
While securing funding remains crucial for sustaining environmental initiatives, Ukrainian activists, scholars, and conservationists persistently devise innovative strategies despite the challenging circumstances. The fight for environmental justice is intricately interwoven with the broader resistance against Russian aggression, illustrating a collective commitment to safeguarding Ukraine’s natural heritage amidst the devastations of war.
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