How to study nature when the territory of a reserve is occupied and access to it is lost? This was discussed by Larisa Borovyk, director of the Luhansk Nature Reserve of the NAS of Ukraine, in an interview with the publication «Eastern Variant».
After the start of the full-scale invasion, the reserve was relocated, and its staff were forced to work outside the Luhansk region. At the same time, scientific work did not stop: researchers continue to analyze previously collected materials and field observation data.
In particular, based on pre-war studies, the natural complexes of the Stanytsia Luhanska branch of the reserve are described, which allows preserving scientific information about the unique ecosystems of the region even in the absence of physical access to the territories.
In the interview, Larisa Borovyk also draws attention to the fact that part of the reserve's territories is currently under occupation, and reliable information about the state of ecosystems is limited. At the same time, there are grounds to speak of significant losses: fires, uncontrolled use of natural resources, destruction of natural habitats.
A separate challenge is the preservation of scientific achievements and databases that have been developed over decades. These are precisely what today form the basis for further research and allow recording changes caused by the war.
According to the researcher, it is already important to think about the future restoration of the territories. This involves not only returning to the pre-war state but also a comprehensive assessment of changes and the development of approaches to restoring ecosystems affected by hostilities.