Ukraine tightens control to prevent off-road driving in natural areas
Kyiv • UNN
The State Environmental Inspectorate and national park administrations will conduct enhanced raids. Offenders face administrative or criminal liability.
Ukraine is tightening control over off-roading in protected areas: the State Environmental Inspectorate and national park administrations will conduct raids and check all reports of violations, including on social media. This was reported by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources, writes UNN.
Why off-roading in protected areas is a problem
Off-roading in natural areas, especially in mountains and near water bodies, may seem like "active recreation" to some, but it destroys the ecosystem and causes real harm to the environment:
- destroys soil and vegetation cover;
- causes siltation and pollution of water bodies;
- accelerates slope erosion in mountains;
- disrupts animal habitats;
- damages rare and vulnerable ecosystems.
High-altitude areas, wetlands, and lakes are particularly vulnerable.
According to the Law of Ukraine "On the Nature Reserve Fund of Ukraine," violators face:
- disciplinary;
- administrative;
- civil;
- or criminal liability.
Even a single entry of vehicles can take decades for nature to recover. In protected areas, these changes are often irreversible.
Off-roading in protected areas is a violation of the law and a direct risk to Ukraine's unique ecosystems