Ukraine’s war-torn forests, including vast areas of Sviati Hory National Park, have been decimated by fires and heavy shelling, leaving behind a stark environmental toll that could take decades to repair.
Max Hunder reports for Reuters.
In short:
- Around 80% of Sviati Hory National Park’s forests have been destroyed by fires and munitions, impacting habitats and ecosystems.
- Mines and unexploded ordnance make forest restoration dangerous and slow, complicating firefighting efforts.
- Experts estimate that rebuilding damaged forests could take decades and cost billions of dollars.
Key quote:
“If we want to extinguish a fire quickly, it’s impossible because the entire territory is mined. ”
— Ruslan Strilets, former Ukrainian environment minister
Why this matters:
Ukraine’s war has caused not only human suffering but also extensive environmental destruction. The loss of forests disrupts biodiversity, increases carbon emissions and leaves long-term hazards like landmines, affecting future generations and wildlife.
Related: Ukraine's regenerating wildflowers defy war's devastation
