The problems of the preservation of quaternary paleogeographycal monuments in the conditions of the Russian-Ukrainian war

The article is devoted to the analysis of the problem of preservation and protection of paleogeographic monuments of the Quaternary period under the conditions of the large-scale Russian-Ukrainian war. In the context of the available information, the influence of the military conflict on certain key areas of Ukraine’s territory is outlined, where the most famous paleogeographic monuments of Quaternary sediments are found in the form of subaerial and subaquatic facies, reflecting the history and peculiarities of the development of natural conditions in the past. Damage, destruction, or loss of anthropogenic paleogeographic geosites in Ukraine poses a serious threat, as these processes lead to an irretrievable loss of unique scientific information about the historical development of the natural environment not only within Ukraine but also on a global scale. These geosites contain crucial data on climate change, ecosystems, and landscapes from past geological epochs, offering deep insights into the planet’s evolution and the adaptation of ecosystems to climatic shifts. Thus, their loss would mean the destruction of irreplaceable evidence essential for scientific research and for making future predictions. To preserve this valuable resource, it is necessary to systematize, generalize, and unify all existing data on paleogeographic heritage sites that are under threat of destruction or at risk of being lost. This involves creating a unified information framework that would include the registration and monitoring of such sites at the national level, along with the use of modern technologies for collecting, storing, and processing information about them. Additionally, for the effective protection of quaternary paleogeographic geosites in Ukraine, it is essential to actively promote public awareness of their scientific and cultural significance. A significant step in this direction would be the creation of a single register of such geosites, allowing them to be integrated with other elements of Ukraine’s historical and cultural heritage, as well as ensuring state-level registration. This would enhance the legal protection of these sites, ensuring their proper preservation and utilization for scientific and educational purposes, thus safeguarding valuable evidence of Ukraine’s and the planet’s natural development for future generations.