Environmental threats and risks to protected areas in the context of war (case study of Molochnyi Lyman)

Purpose. The study of the ecological state of Molochnyi Lyman, which is a state-level reserve, part of the Pryazovskyi National Nature Park, and a wetland of international importance protected under the Ramsar Convention. Methods. System analysis, remote sensing data were used, specifically satellite images from Landsat 5, Landsat 8, Sentinel-2, and the software tool Google Earth Engine. Results. The biodiversity of Molochnyi Lyman is characterized and the impact of the salinity level on its biodiversity is analyzed. Natural and anthropogenic factors affecting the ecological state of Molochnyi Lyman are examined. Special attention is paid to the analysis of the conditions ensuring water exchange with the Sea of Azov and the consequences of its absence for the biodiversity of the water body. The state and dynamics of commercial fish catches in the Sea of Azov (Zaporizhzhia region) and the factors influencing the state of fish resources are analyzed. The impact of the war on the ecological situation in Molochnyi Lyman is assessed, and ways and possibilities to overcome the crisis ecological consequences of the occupation of the territory at the stage of post-war recovery are identified. Conclusions. The main ecological problems of Molochnyi Lyman are identified: increased salinity, reduced water surface area and biodiversity, as well as siltation of the channels connecting the lagoon with the Sea of Azov. It is proven that the preservation of the lagoon requires stable water exchange and optimal salinity levels, which will ensure favorable conditions for fish spawning and migration, as well as maintain high ecosystem productivity. With the onset of the war, the situation has become more complicated, with additional environmental challenges arising due to inaction, which will require further efforts to restore the biodiversity of Molochnyi Lyman and the Sea of Azov in the future.