The Ukrainian Nature Conservation Group (UNCG) has learned that the Government of Ukraine is planning to liquidate the State Agency of Water Resources of Ukraine (Derzhvodahientstvo) in the near future.
We view this as a direct threat to Ukraine’s natural environment.
This is more than just another staff reduction; it appears to be a deliberate step to fundamentally shift the approach to water resource management. Instead of preserving rivers as natural ecosystems, the proposed shift risks their conversion into a cascade of reservoirs/ponds primarily for the irrigation of agricultural fields. Instead of preserving vital wetlands and floodplains, the risk is their drainage (melioration) and subsequent plowing.
Evidence of a Destructive Shift
This proposed direction is supported by several alarming indicators:
- Prioritizing Melioration: Land reclamation/drainage (melioratsiia) is listed among the stated priorities of the Ministry of Economy, signaling a clear focus on agricultural expansion over ecological integrity.
- Streamlining Dam Construction: Government-proposed Draft Law No. 13554 has been registered in the Parliament (Verkhovna Rada), which seeks to drastically simplify the procedure for the construction of new dams and the establishment of new reservoirs/ponds.
- Ignoring Peatlands: The current Government Action Plan makes no mention of peatland conservation but does include measures to simplify changes in land-use designation (purpose).
A Call for an Independent Protector
While we have regularly criticized officials at the State Water Agency – for mishandling funds meant for river clearing, for improperly maintaining the water cadastre (a state register of water bodies) which they only began correcting after numerous appeals, and for delivering shoddy, formalistic river basin management plans – and while the current liquidation proposal is undoubtedly partly a consequence of the failures of past and current leadership, you must treat the disease, not kill the patient.
Ukraine must maintain an independent body dedicated to defending its rivers. This agency must not have an inherent conflict of interest between promoting economic activity and ensuring environmental protection. It must be able to voice and defend its position during the consideration of legislative changes.
The accompanying photo shows the Tnia River in the Zhytomyr region blocked by an illegal barrier built to accumulate water for potato irrigation.
Is this the future the government desires for our rivers?
