can be rephrased as
Ukraine resistance species entanglement
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Ukraine’s Environmental Struggle Amidst Conflict
Lawsuits, art, and the sandy blind mole-rat have all intertwined in Ukraine’s battle for environmental justice following Russia’s invasion. However, the green initiatives face challenges amidst ongoing warfare.
In July 2023, I entered Ukraine from Poland on a night train, engaging with fellow passengers. Without disclosing my environmental interests, a neighbor sparked a conversation about the endangered sandy blind mole-rat.
The sandy blind mole-rat, native to southern Ukraine’s Lower Dnipro region, faced a significant decline due to the Russian occupation and the Kakhovka Hydroelectric reservoir collapse in June 2023. The catastrophe, blamed on Russia, led to massive flooding and ecological devastation.
The aftermath of the disaster, comparable to the Chernobyl explosion in 1986, resulted in immense environmental damage, affecting agriculture, biodiversity, and water resources. The sandy blind mole-rat population plummeted by 50%, symbolizing another casualty of Russian aggression.
Environmental Impact of Conflict in Ukraine
The Kherson oblast, home to Kakhovka, is not the only region in Ukraine suffering environmental casualties. With over 2,000 protected areas under Russian control, the environmental devastation is evident. Platforms like Ecodozor aim to map and address the environmental consequences of the conflict.
Despite the destruction, Ukraine is striving for environmental justice amid resistance to Russian aggression. Through governmental efforts and artistic expressions, awareness of environmental degradation is on the rise.
The outrage over Chernobyl’s environmental disaster fueled Ukraine’s independence movements, emphasizing the deep-rooted connection between ecological concerns and societal resilience.
Growing Environmental Awareness
Post the Kakhovka disaster, a wave of grief swept through Ukraine, mourning not only human losses but also the disappearance of entire ecosystems. The environmental impacts on endangered species garnered attention, reflecting a shared concern for nature.
Cultural events like the Venice Architecture Biennale and Kyiv Biennial 2023 highlighted the environmental repercussions of war, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices.
Organizations like the Ukrainian Nature Conservation Group (UNCG) have spearheaded campaigns to protect wildlife reserves, showcasing innovative ways to support conservation efforts during the conflict.
In November 2023, UAnimals launched Animalism, an online shop supporting animal rescue initiatives in Ukraine, demonstrating the collective effort to safeguard wildlife amidst adversity.
Advocating for Environmental Justice
While Ukraine navigates the aftermath of the Kakhovka disaster, debates arise regarding the reconstruction of the dam. Environmentalists question the ecological impact of rebuilding the dam, advocating for natural ecosystem restoration instead.
Internationally, Ukraine is advocating for the inclusion of “ecocide” as a recognized crime, holding perpetrators accountable for environmental destruction. The country’s efforts to address environmental crimes mark a significant step towards environmental justice.
Despite the challenges posed by ongoing conflict, Ukraine’s commitment to environmental justice remains unwavering, with a vision for a sustainable post-war future.
*Darya Tsymbalyuk, PhD, is a Ukrainian environmental humanities researcher working on a book about the environmental impacts of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
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