The picturesque Lisne Lake, not far from the town of Volodymyr, is gradually turning from a favourite recreational spot for local residents into a marshy body of water that poses a biological hazard. The public blames the tenant — one of the local councillors — for the ecological degradation of the nature reserve. They say that, whilst charging for recreational use, he is doing nothing to clean the lake or maintain its healthy condition. What is more, experts consider the lease of this part of the ‘Mochyska’ Landscape Reserve to be illegal.
The publication ‘BUG’ provided further details on this story in its report.
Charging for recreation by a silted-up lake
According to local residents, over the last few years the condition of the lake has deteriorated to such an extent that it is impossible to swim there. With a film on the water, silted-up banks and bottom, and an unpleasant smell, the lake is clearly not being cleaned regularly.
Source: "BUG"
The issue goes beyond aesthetics, as swimming in this water is simply unsafe. For example, in 2019, after swimming in Lisne Lake, a 16-year-old girl contracted leptospirosis, a severe infectious disease.
However, this does not hinder commercial activity. Among the paid services are relaxation in gazebos or fishing. According to the publication, the area with Lisne Lake is currently leased by Mykola Yunak, a deputy of the Volodymyr City Council.
A natural landmark in private hands
The transfer of a protected natural area into private use has been the subject of discussion for years.
Back in 2001, the Volyn Regional Council allowed the use of these lands. Later, the lake was leased for as long as 49 years, a decision made by the Volodymyr-Volynskyi District State Administration.
In 2021, the State Environmental Inspectorate in Volyn Region found that a section of the nature reserve fund had been leased illegally. Moreover, the land was transferred for fish farming purposes, which contradicts the Water Code.
Nevertheless, the situation has not changed to this day, and besides the lake, the deputy also leases 14 hectares of surrounding forests.
In the opinion of activists and experts, the only viable way to save Lisne Lake is to return it to communal and state ownership. Only then will it be possible to monitor compliance with environmental regulations.
EcoPolitic previously reported that the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) served charges to six officials and entrepreneurs due to the illegal exploitation of more than 220 hectares of forest in Zakarpattia Region. State forest lands were actually generating profit for a company owned by the wife of a former Member of Parliament who is suspected of treason.
