Prosecutors of the Specialized Environmental Prosecutor's Office (SEP) have appealed to the court to cancel the results of the auction for the sale of a special permit for peat extraction in the virgin forest nature monument "Poppy Bog" in Rivne region.
The decision of the State Service of Geology and Subsoil provides for a 20-year mining permit, the press service of the Prosecutor General's Office reports.
The press service said that the State Geocadastre held an auction in January 2024, which is a gross violation of the law.
It is noted that in 2021, Poppy Bog received the highest environmental protection status of a virgin forest natural monument of local importance. This implies a strict prohibition of any activity related to interference with the life of the ecosystem.
"The site received this status because of its critical importance for the preservation and development of Ukraine's ecosystem. It is one of the largest areas of natural wetland forests in Polissia, with a virgin forest area of 259.8 hectares," the press service said.
The report emphasized that the swamp is home to trees up to 160 years old. In addition, it is home to unique plants and animals that can live only in these conditions. A number of animals are listed in the European Red List and the Red Book of Ukraine.
It is noted that peat extraction will not only lead to the destruction of a unique ecosystem and its flora and fauna, but will also exacerbate climate change.
As EcoPolitic previously reported, environmental activists demand that the State Service of Geology and Subsoil cancel the auction for the sale of the Mak field in Rivne region for peat extraction. On the 260-hectare site, a swampy forest has been preserved in its natural state, even without damage from illegal amber mining.
