Ukrainian scientists are witnessing nature’s remarkable recovery in war-torn regions and argue against rebuilding Soviet-era infrastructure, urging instead for rewilding efforts to continue post-war.
Fred Pearce reports for Yale Environment 360.
In short:
- The destruction of the Kakhovka dam led to catastrophic flooding but also allowed for natural regeneration, with native willows rapidly growing in the drained reservoir.
- Ecologists argue for letting nature continue to restore itself rather than rebuilding old dams, pointing to benefits for biodiversity and energy efficiency.
- War has unintentionally created areas of ecological revival, with forests and grasslands experiencing reduced human activity and logging.
Key quote:
"Ukraine has a chance to restore its natural and historical heritage. We must not waste this chance."
— Anna Kuzemko, botanist at M.G. Kholodny Institute of Botany.
Why this matters:
Ukraine faces a critical choice in its post-war reconstruction. Prioritizing rewilding and environmental restoration could benefit biodiversity and help the country meet EU ecological standards, while rebuilding old infrastructure could reverse these gains.
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