Military Ecologists Trained in Evidence Collection for Environmental Crimes

On June 6, 2023, Russian occupying forces committed one of the most severe environmental crimes of the twenty-first century—the destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Station dam.

As a result, over 75,000 hectares of land were flooded, causing widespread destruction of plant and animal habitats and severe contamination of large areas. Massive amounts of pollutants, hazardous substances, and oil products were released into the soil, while the floodwaters also displaced mines, ammunition, and armament systems from contaminated areas.

Scientists and independent experts continue to assess the devastating consequences of this act of ecocide on Ukraine’s ecosystem, economy, and civilian life.

As part of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) activities in Ukraine, representatives of the National Mine Action Centre (UANMAC), with the organizational support of the Belgian Foundation NICOLE and the NGO “Institute for Public Policy and Consulting (INPOLIT),” developed an algorithm for collecting evidence of the environmental impact of this war crime committed by the Russian Federation.

These efforts form the foundation for the environmental post-war recovery measures planned.

Additionally, our International partners have provided Ukrainian military ecologists with equipment for sampling environmental components. The Center's experts have shared the knowledge gained during this training with representatives of the State Environmental Inspectorate of the Southern District (Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions).