In Zakarpattia Oblast, 40 hectares of forest are set to be cleared to make way for the construction of a power line. Recently, the Svalyava Forest District conducted a survey of these areas to determine whether they contain any valuable flora. According to environmental activists, this was a sham, as the weather does not yet allow for a clear assessment of the actual state of vegetation in those areas.
This was reported by the Ukrainian Nature Conservation Group (UNCG), whose representatives also participated in the commission’s survey.
Contrary to the Ministry of Economy’s promises
A new power line will be built to the Runa mountain pasture and the peak of Pikuy. A wind power plant (WPP) is being built there, a project actively opposed by the local community and environmentalists.
The UNCG noted that when approving the EIA for construction in the Carpathian highlands, Economy Minister Oleksiy Sobolev assured that no trees would be cut down for the construction of the WPP.
However, the plan to clear another 40 hectares of forest completely contradicts these promises.
The “Save Pikuy” community reported that in the Zhdeniiv community, trees are already being cut and called the total destruction of the trees ecocide.
Source: “Save Pikuy”
Inspection as a formality
According to environmental defenders, the review of plots designated for felling was carried out purely for appearances, rather than to truly assess the value of the forest stands. In fact, this inspection could not have changed anything – the Zakarpattia Regional State Administration and foresters have already established the easement for the PTL route.
Source: “Save Pikuy”
Additionally, the weather does not permit a thorough inspection of the forest – the snow has not yet melted everywhere. However, this did not prevent eco-activists from spotting valuable plants, notably, the Red-listed Lunaria and snowdrop.
“The foresters ‘did not notice’ them when approving the PTL route. So it is not surprising at all that inspections are specifically scheduled for periods when it is impossible or very difficult to see protected plant species. Otherwise, everyone would see that neither cutting nor building should take place there!” the activists emphasize.
UNCG separately highlights the role of certain institutions in the decision to cut down the forest:
- Uzhanskyi National Park assisted in preparing the documents for forest clearing;
- The State Forest Agency together with SE “Forests of Ukraine”, who built the forest road to Runa and are now facilitating documentation for forest clearing.
“Now the foresters on the ground are being forced to prepare knowingly illegal documents and carry out illegal logging. Documents are also being prepared for the construction of forest roads for wind turbines on other meadows,” the environmental organization reported.
EcoPolitic previously reported that deputies of the Zhdeniiv community did not approve the creation of a protected area to safeguard these forests.
Мinistry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture issued an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) conclusion for the construction of a wind power plant on Polonyna Runa, despite objections from the public, environmental activists, and Members of Parliament of the Verkhovna Rada.
