In July 2024, the Olshanska Village Council approved the establishment of the “Kovalivski Plavni” hydrological nature reserve with a total area of over 590 hectares. The proposed reserve is located east of the village of Kovalivka.
The territory is represented by floodplain habitats, locally known as “plavni.” These are unique wetland ecosystems characterized by a combination of lakes, swamps, and riparian forests, often found along the lower courses of rivers.
Among the rare aquatic vegetation, the survey identified plant communities of white water lily (Nymphaea alba) and yellow water lily (Nuphar lutea), which are included in the Green Book of Ukraine. The Green Book is a national registry of rare and endangered plant communities. The study also recorded the presence of the rare, relict fern floating watermoss (Salvinia natans), which was listed in the Red Book of Ukraine until 2009.
The area is an important spawning ground and wetland for both common and rare bird species. The reserve is also part of the Emerald Network site UA0000181 “Nyzhnie Pobuzhzhia” and represents one of the key territories of Mykolaiv region’s ecological network.
We are grateful to the Olshanska Village Council for their environmentally-conscious and decisive action, and for understanding the necessity of preserving river floodplains and wetlands. Last year, also based on our proposal, the “Balka Zarubina” reserve was established within the Olshanska community.
