Two new protected zones have been established on communal lands within the Bronyky Village Council in the Zhytomyr region. A total of 20 hectares of land are now protected from plowing and artificial afforestation.
These areas are home to three rare orchid species listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine, which is the national list of endangered species. The identified species are the Lesser Butterfly-orchid (Platanthera bifolia), the Early Marsh-orchid (Dactylorhiza incarnata), and the Bug Orchid (Anacamptis coriophora).
The newly protected plots are pastures with natural vegetation, used by local residents for grazing livestock. This is a rare sight today, as most land around villages is typically used for crops like corn and sunflowers.
Maintaining grazing and haymaking is crucial for preserving these meadow-steppe ecosystems. We’ve recommended that the community continue this land-use practice during a joint on-site visit.
We extend our gratitude to the Department of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Zhytomyr Regional Military Administration (Zhytomyrska OVA) for supporting environmental protection in the region!
