A year after the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station by Russian troops, the ecosystem of the Kherson region is being restored, bringing back rare fish species and finding ancient artifacts.

The Kakhovka reservoir, which was destroyed as a result of the Russian military attack in June 2023, today turns into a unique landscape. After an explosion of a hydroelectric power station and an accidental release of water, the area is gradually recovering and nature is once again filling the empty areas. Writing about this The Keeper.

As a result of the destruction of the Kakhovskaya hydroelectric power station by Russian troops in June 2023, when more than 14 cubic kilometers of water were released., the reservoir has turned into a barren landscape. The explosion caused flooding in populated areas, the death of dozens of people and the destruction of the ecosystem.

However, after a year, nature began to show its ability to recover.

Ecologist Vadim Manyuk note that new green areas are now appearing on the site of the old reservoir. Young trees like white willow and black poplarreach a height of four meters. Quantities of reeds and berries and other plants begin to actively colonize new areas.

“These changes are unique and have international significance. We are witnessing a process that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world.”,” Manyuk emphasizes.

The restored areas of the Dnieper have already attracted rare fish species, such as sturgeon and herring, which have not been seen here for more than 80 years. The police discovered this fact when poachers were arrested, who had 16 fish of rare breeds of sturgeon. Also show more bread and perch, Manyuk noted.

In addition, in the restored areas of the Kakhovka Reservoir there is a significant increase in the number of waterfowl and forest birds. Among them You will see native swallows and cuckoos, as well as rare species such as the horse and Canada geese. In the new ecosystem, both water snakes and yellow-bellied firebirds are actively breeding.

However, the restoration of nature does not happen without problems for local residents. In Malokaterinovka, where there used to be a large reservoir, serious problems arose with water supply. The water supplied through the pipes has dried up, forcing authorities to transport drinking water by truck. Local residents also lack water for agricultural needswhich will adversely affect their harvest.

At the same time, the decline in water levels has opened up access to archaeological sites that were previously hidden under water. Researchers have discovered ancient Scythian mounds and artifacts, which adds a new dimension to the understanding of the history of the area. However, their investigation is difficult due to military operations going on very close by.

Ukrhydroenergo claims that the complete restoration of the reservoir will require at least five years and about one billion dollars.

Mikhail Mulenkothe head of the environmental protection department of the Khortitsa national reserve, noted that water loss has grown significantly socio-economic blow.

However, he said: “The reservoir was bad for nature. Now we have a chance to use what happened to change it.”.

In his opinion, it may be the best solution in the future restoration of a smaller reservoir or creation of a shipping canal.

While nature continues to recover and create unique ecosystems, the region is facing major challenges that require attention and action.

Let us remember that those who are affected by the destruction Kakhovskaya HPP Zaporozhye and Dnepropetrovsk regions are launching the largest water supply system.

It was previously reported almost a year after the destruction of the dam Kakhovskaya HPP An extensive plant landscape arose on an area of ​​150 thousand hectares of an artificial reservoir.

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Author:
Svetlana Romanenko