Scientific Reports of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine

The war consequences on natural resources of Ukraine: Analyses and methodologies

N. Makarenko, Vita Strokal, Ye. Berezhniak, V. Bondar, S. Pavliuk, L. Vagaliuk, Olena Naumovska, M. Ladyka, A. Kovpak
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Abstract

Ukraine's environment has been negatively affected by Russia's military aggression, which began in 2014 and escalated into a full-scale war in 2022. Since 2014, hostilities have been taking place in the Donbas, where environmental safety standards have been grossly violated in the temporarily occupied Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops expanded the range of environmental problems, deepened and exacerbated their dangerous manifestations. Experts have concluded that in many cases, the consequences of Russian military activity for the environment of Ukraine can be classified as environmental crimes. The purpose of the study was to analyse information on the impact of the armed conflict on Ukraine's natural resources. The main task was to systematise the manifestations and risks of military activity for Ukraine's natural resources. The analysis of the situation showed that as a result of the hostilities, the water and soil environment has undergone significant changes, the integrity of landscapes and ecosystems has been disrupted, and various types of pollution, destruction and destruction of valuable biological resources have occurred. Restoration of the environment requires, first and foremost, a scientifically based environmental assessment of the impact of military activities on natural resources. It should be based on the principles of ecological systems science, which involves the study of ecosystems of different levels of organisation and specialisation, and should take into account short- and long-term consequences and risks. The results of a comprehensive assessment will make it possible to develop effective methods and technologies for restoring natural resources damaged by the armed conflict

Keywords

Russia's military aggression, environmental crimes, natural resources, soil erosion and pollution, water quality, forest fires, destruction of biodiversity, loss of flora and fauna, destruction of natural ecosystems and agricultural landscapes

Suggested citation
Makarenko, N., Strokal, V., Berezhniak, Ye., Bondar, V., Pavliuk, S., Vagaliuk, L., Naumovska, O., Ladyka, M., & Kovpak, A. (2022). The war consequences on natural resources of Ukraine: Analyses and methodologies. Scientific Reports of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, 18(4). https://doi.org/dopovidi2022.04.003
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