Ukraine's Forests: A Scorched Legacy of War

Ukraine's forests have been devastated by the ongoing conflict, with significant damage caused by shelling, fires, and unexploded ordnance. Over 425,000 hectares are contaminated with mines. The war has decimated habitats, affected biodiversity, and will require decades of restoration efforts, costing billions of dollars.

In Ukraine, the ravages of war extend beyond human suffering; the nation's forests stand as a testament to nature's toll. As rangers like Serhiy Tsapok survey the smouldering landscapes, hopes for restoration are clouded by mines, shelling, and unforgiving destruction.

While the conflict rages, priorities remain on immediate human survival, but the environmental damage paints a grim picture for Ukraine's natural future. Hundreds of thousands of hectares are littered with remnants of war, rendering vast areas dangerous and decimated.

Efforts to restore these forests will be a Herculean task, demanding time, money, and international support. As Ukraine pursues legal actions for reparations, the global community will watch as the country endeavors to reclaim and rehabilitate its once verdant terrains.

(With inputs from agencies.)