Millitary ecocide of Askania Nova Biosphere Reserve, Ukraine
Ukraine
last update:
5 months agoProblems
Military invasion by the Russians
Askania-Nova is a biosphere reserve in Ukraine that hosts a variety of rare plants and animals, especially ungulates. It was founded by a German naturalist in the late 19th century and has been a UNESCO site since 1984. However, since February 2022, the reserve has been under Russian occupation as part of the full-scale war between the two countries. The Ukrainian staff managed to keep working for 13 months despite the threats and pressure from the invaders. Before Russia launched its full-scale war against Ukraine, the Askania-Nova Biosphere Reserve, established by German Friedrich Falz-Fein in 1898, was one of Ukraine's most popular tourist destinations. It attracted visitors from all over the world with its stunning landscapes and unique wildlife.
Actions of the occupiers in relation to the Biosphere Reserve
The invaders caused three fires on the territory of Askania Nova, burning almost 1,400 hectares in 2022. Military aircraft constantly overfly the protected area at low altitudes, causing panic among the wild animals, sometimes even resulting in their death. Despite this, life in the reserve continued. Russian troops are unlikely to be concerned about the happiness of wildlife in Kherson Oblast. Currently, the occupiers consider the nature reserve as a rear base. When the Ukrainian army drives them out, Russian soldiers will most likely loot Askania-Nova, sell rare animals, and kill others.
Gallery
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Timelines
2024
March 31
In his interview, the director of the reserve, Viktor Shapoval, told the story of Askania-Nova under occupation. Under Ukrainian jurisdiction, the reserve existed for 13 months. From February 24, 2022, to March 20, 2023, we could monitor the protected area and perform all technological processes related to the maintenance of artificial collections. The task of the staff was the maximum preservation of the reserve's collections in difficult circumstances caused by the armed aggression of the Russian Federation and the occupation of the territory. The workers did not make it possible to create a picture of the arrival of the "rescuers"; therefore, now "Ascania-Nova" kept those collections that existed during Ukrainian jurisdiction. It was inspiring when Ukrainians burned by the war actively donated for support. But, of course, very serious material support was also involved from environmental protection institutions of Ukraine, Europe, and the United States. The support was solid, making it possible to maintain the "Ascania-Nova" collection offline. Due to their professional duties, many people had to stay to maintain artificial collections. To date, the animals have not been taken to Crimean zoos, but to the territory of the Rostov region - to the Rostov Zoo and the Rostov Association for the Preservation of Rare Species of Animals. From our side, the Ukrainian Ministry of Environmental Protection was informed about this situation. In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Commission for UNESCO were informed - because this is a violation of the norms of this convention, and this is something that should have at least an international assessment and reaction from An appeal is currently being prepared at the level of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and an appeal to the secretariat of the CITES Convention. Three individuals of Ukrainian gray cattle have been exported from "Ascania-Nova" to "Taigan". And as far as I understand, the very fact of exchange is being prepared somewhere in April-May. "Ascania-Nova" has animals that are in quarantine.
February
At the end of February, the Crimean safari park “Taigan” signed a cooperation agreement with the Askania-Nova biosphere reserve in the Kherson region. Since the territory is located near the front line, many reserve employees have moved. There are not enough hands and food to care for the animals, so the specialists of the Crimean Safari Park need to help the animals and ensure their safety on the territory of Taigan. As Oleg Zubkov told KP-Crimea, 15 animals and birds will soon be sent to new territories from the peninsula. And zebras, horses, bison, and bustards will come to Crimea.
2023
December
Seven individuals were exported from "Ascania-Nova", including species listed in the CITES International Convention, which regulates international trade in endangered species of wild fauna.
September 02
A fire has erupted within the Askania-Nova Biosphere Reserve, in the occupied territory of Kherson Oblast. The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine’s press service reported on their Telegram account that the fire has spread across approximately 7,000 hectares in the “Pivdenna” section.
March 20
The biosphere reserve "Askania-Nova" is in the register of legal entities of the Russian Federation. This registration occurred in parallel with other objects of the nature reserve fund of the Kherson region.
The Russian occupation authorities seized control over the reserve and its administration. They also planned to remove some animals from the zoo and send them to Russia or other countries.
2022
Askania-Nova came under occupation from nine o'clock on the first day of a full-scale war. Despite the occupation, the reserve managed to function as a Ukrainian institution for 13 months. The leadership did not make agreements with the Russians, and the protected steppe, the zoo's animal collections, and the nursery were preserved.
1984
Askania Nova was designated as a member of the Soviet World Network of Biosphere Reserves UNESCO member.
1983
Askania Nova was reorganized into a biosphere reserve.
1919
Askania Nova was confiscated by the Red Army and declared a People’s Sanctuary Park.
1898
Askania Nova was established as a private nature reserve by Falz-Fein.