Occupants poach fish, abuse and kill animals on the territory of the reserve fund institutions – Eduard Arustamyan

Russian aggression causes irreparable damage, including one to the institutions of the reserve fund. Natural complexes are being destroyed, and forest fires often occur there.

It was emphasized by Eduard Arustamyan, Director of the Department of Nature Reserve Fund, and Biodiversity at the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine, during a panel discussion held at the Media Center Ukraine – Ukrinform. 

In particular, he noted that about a hundred fires were reported on the territory of the now de-occupied Kamianska Sich National Nature Park. According to the Ministry of Environment representative, the area is severely contaminated and still under fire.

Eduard Arustamyan stressed that in addition to fires and shelling, the occupiers are poaching aquatic bioresources and abusing and killing animals.

“There are cases in the Azov National Park where they have set up a tank training ground and are shelling the entire area. There is illegal fishing in large volumes, tons, of fish. In addition, there is a massive plague of dolphins in the sea due to the sounds of boats,” he added.

In order to establish the amount of damage to all institutions of the nature reserve fund and hold those responsible to account, seven methods have been created.

“There are seven methods for calculating damages. With a legal basis, the figures will be submitted to the relevant courts so that every hryvnia will be recovered; we believe and know this. Those responsible will be brought to justice.”

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