In late 2022, the Ukrainian Nature Conservation Group (UNCG) analyzed the status of protected areas in the Kirovohrad region for instances of illegal plowing and privatization.
We discovered that two land plots, totaling 4 hectares, had been illegally privatized within the “Gruzka Balka” botanical nature monument. Following this discovery, we submitted an official appeal to the Prosecutor General’s Office and the police.
During the pre-trial investigation, it was established that two residents of the village of Rivne had received the plots for personal farming based on decisions by the former Novoyegorivska Village Council. The value of these plots exceeds 20 million UAH (approximately 500,000 USD).
The Novoukrainka District Prosecutor’s Office filed a lawsuit. The court agreed with the prosecution’s arguments that the land transfer within the nature monument was illegal. The court invalidated the decisions to transfer the land and its state registration, ordering the plots to be returned to communal ownership.
It’s a relief that the land plots were not damaged and had not yet been plowed.
“Gruzka Balka” is a botanical nature monument located within the Rivne rural community. It spans 53.47 hectares and was designated by the Kirovohrad Regional Council in 2012. The monument was established to preserve steppe habitats with rare plant and animal species. Among the rare plants protected here are Spring Adonis (Adonis vernalis) and Entire-leaved Clematis (Clematis integrifolia), both of which are listed in the Red Book of Ukraine.
