The State forest resources agency participated in the discussion on the consequences of ecocide in Ukraine

Representatives of the State Forest Resources Agency of Ukraine took part in an international discussion held in The Hague (Netherlands), dedicated to the third anniversary of the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam and the presentation of the Handbook on the Prosecution of International Environmental Crimes.

The event brought together representatives of the Government of Ukraine, international organizations and civil society, as well as experts in international law and researchers, to discuss the consequences of Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine and mechanisms for holding perpetrators accountable.

A key focus of the discussion was the large-scale environmental damage caused by the war, in particular the destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant in June 2023, which became one of the largest acts of ecocide in modern history. As a result of the dam’s destruction, 35 people were killed, 24 are still missing, 66 settlements were flooded, and 1,323 hectares of land were inundated.

Participants emphasized that the disaster not only caused unprecedented environmental consequences but also posed a serious challenge to international law and justice systems.

Particular attention was paid to the impact of the Kakhovka disaster on forest ecosystems. According to experts, flooding and subsequent drying of the affected areas led to the destruction of approximately 63,700 hectares of forests, which in some forestry enterprises accounted for up to 30% of their total area. Significant damage was also caused to protected areas, water resources, soils, flora, and fauna.

During the event, the Handbook on the Prosecution of International Environmental Crimes was also presented. The document was developed based on Ukraine’s experience in documenting and investigating environmental damage in the context of armed conflict, with the involvement of leading international experts, including the UCLA Promise Institute and Climate Counsel.

The handbook is the first comprehensive practical tool for prosecutors, investigators, and human rights defenders. It systematizes approaches to evidence collection, qualification of environmental crimes, and case preparation for consideration in national and international courts.

Participants emphasized that effective prosecution of environmental crimes requires close coordination between national authorities, international institutions, and civil society. Key components of this process include proper documentation of damages, building an evidence base, addressing issues of attribution, and establishing effective mechanisms for compensation and reparations.

The participation of representatives of the State Forest Resources Agency in such international events is an important part of efforts to document the impacts of the war on Ukraine’s forest ecosystems, exchange experience with international partners, and develop effective mechanisms for environmental protection and holding the aggressor accountable for the damage caused.