From Wasteland to Wild: Ukraine’s Lost Reservoir Rebirth or Toxic Time‑Bomb?

-

In July 2025, two years after the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam, Ukraine’s drained reservoir has transformed into an astonishing new ecosystem—Velykyi Luh, a forested floodplain spanning over 2,100 km². Will this be a symbol of ecological revival—or a ticking toxic time-bomb?


🐾 Who’s Coming Back?

  • Endangered sturgeon are spawning again in reconnected waterways (The Guardian).
  • Wild boar, roe deer, hares, cuckoos, and swallows now inhabit willow-poplar forests.
  • Rodent populations dropped by 20–30% but show signs of recovery (Washington Post).

🌱 Vegetation Emerges

  • Nearly 1/3 of the basin is now dense with willow and poplar (EOS).
  • Over 40 billion seeds sprouted, forming riparian forests.
  • Ecologists forecast full ecosystem recovery in 5–30 years.

⚠️ The Toxic Threat

  • 83,000–95,000 tonnes of toxic sediments exposed after dam breach.
  • Contain heavy metals: lead, cadmium, zinc, arsenic, and nickel.
  • Toxins could leach into water, soil, and wildlife.

🧠 Expert Insights

“We are witnessing the emergence of a massive natural floodplain forest system … with implications far beyond Ukraine.”
— Oleksiy Vasyliuk, UWEC report

“Toxins move up the food chain … even small concentrations can cause cancer.”
— Oleksandra Shumilova, freshwater ecologist

“Nature recovers amazingly fast … wild boars, roe deer, and hares are migrating into the region.”
— Vadym Maniuk, ecologist

🧭 Final Verdict: Revival or Risk?

Aspect✅ Revival⚠️ Toxic Risk
VegetationWillow/poplar forests, wetlandsHeavy-metal soil contamination
WildlifeBirds, mammals, sturgeon returnFood chain disruption
OutlookFunctional in 5–10 yearsNeeds urgent remediation

📌 

  1. Share this article to raise awareness.
  2. Support rewilding & monitoring efforts in Ukraine.
  3. Explore more articles about wildlife.

🔗 References

  • The Guardian (July 2025)
  • EOS (2025)
  • Washington Post
  • J. Environmental Engineering & Science

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Exploring the Most Visited Castles in Europe and Africa: Information for Tourists and Archaeologists

-
Image
Castles have long fascinated tourists and archaeologists alike, offering a glimpse into the past through their architecture, history, and surrounding landscapes. In this article, we delve into some of the most visited castles in Europe and Africa, highlighting their historical significance, archaeological information, visitor experience, admission prices, and natural environment. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany Perched atop a hill in Bavaria, Neuschwanstein Castle was commissioned by King Ludwig II in the 19th century. Its fairytale architecture has inspired countless stories and films. Archaeologists appreciate its relatively recent construction, which provides insight into 19th-century building techniques and romanticism in architecture. Tourists are captivated by its picturesque setting and intricate interiors. Admission costs around $15. The surrounding alpine landscape adds to its appeal. Windsor Castle, England As the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, Windsor Castl...
READ MORE

The United States’ withdrawal from the World Health Organization has significant implications.

-
Image
As the largest contributor, the United States has provided nearly $988 million, or 14 percent of the WHO’s budget. This funding has supported critical health programs around the world, including efforts in Europe, the Middle East, Ukraine, and Sudan. The lack of U.S. support threatens initiatives to combat diseases such as polio, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis. Experts warn that the United States will face reduced disease intelligence capabilities, leading to worse health outcomes. At the same time, China’s influence at the WHO is set to grow. The country is systematically preparing for international leadership, with 90 percent of its top universities launching programs to prepare students for careers in international organizations by 2027. This strategic move allows China to fill positions at the WHO vacated by the departure of US staff, thereby expanding its role in global health governance. The US withdrawal not only has funding implications but also has broader diplomatic and economic ...
READ MORE

Investing in life sciences: the next big trend in France and Italy

-
Image
In recent years, France and Italy have emerged as key players in the field of investment in life sciences. This surge is driven by a combination of government support, innovative research and a growing focus on sustainability. What is investment in science? Science investment encompasses funding for research and development (R&D) in a variety of scientific fields, including biology, ecology, chemistry and environmental sciences. These investments aim to foster innovation, develop new technologies and address pressing global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss. Leading companies driving change Several companies in France and Italy are at the forefront of scientific innovation: TotalEnergies (France): In addition to its traditional energy activities, TotalEnergies invests heavily in renewable energy and sustainable technologies, reflecting its commitment to environmental research and development. Enel Green Power (Italy): A subsidiary of the multinational energy c...
READ MORE