Peat extraction in Ukraine should be limited as much as possible and allowed only within the limits of existing permits.
This opinion was expressed by Petro Testov, Head of the Analytical Department of the Ukrainian Nature Conservation Group (UNCG), while visiting the Kutianske peat deposit in Rivne Oblast.
He says that the extraction of this mineral contradicts all modern approaches to combating climate change and preserving biodiversity. The ecologist called peat extraction a “vestige of the 20th century”, which, according to him, is extremely harmful. He explained this by saying that the economic benefit from such extraction is very small, and “the damage to the environment is enormous.”
Testov justified the significant environmental damage by two reasons:
- peat is carbon, respectively, its extraction is carbon emissions, which is contrary to the fight against climate change;
- Swamp peat in good condition is a huge biodiversity oasis.
"And so every time the phrase" sold the special permission for peat production "is actually that we turn the normal natural area, here it is possible to say the black desert with huge piles of peat," – says the ecologist.
According to the environmentalist, there is only one way out: peat production in Ukraine should be limited and allowed only within the current permits that have previously been issued, and "only if severe reclamation".
"No new peat deposit should be provided," the Testov insists.
Video: Facebook.com/ukrainiannatureConConservationGroup.
Recently, EcoPolitic told that the Ministry of Ecology wants to cancel certain permits and approvals for forests and subsoil. Also in September, we reported that the Specialized Environmental Prosecutor's Office succeeded in court in canceling the decisions of the State Service of Geology and Subsoil of Ukraine on the sale of a special permit for peat extraction within the primeval forest natural monument “Poppy Bog” in Rivne region.
