The Ukrainian Nature Conservation Group (UNCG) cannot accept the law enacted on July 22, 2025, which limits the independence of anti-corruption bodies. This move significantly distances Ukraine from European integration and contradicts core democratic values.
This decision has a profound impact on the field of environmental protection. The stable operation of an effective nature conservation system in Ukraine is impossible without victory over Russia. And victory over Russia is a victory for democratic forces, transparency, and values recognized throughout the civilized world.
Undermining the Rule of Law
The law restricting the independence of anti-corruption bodies destroys the principles of balance, checks, and balances that form the foundation of a democratic state.
This law was adopted in violation of parliamentary procedure, contrary to Ukraine’s European integration commitments, and without prior public discussion or even notification about the necessity of its introduction – demonstrating a total disregard for public opinion.
The changes introduced by the new law echo the aggressor’s narratives about “external influence” and “Western colonialism.” Russia is already celebrating its adoption, as it pulls Ukraine further away from European integration standards.
Where is the guarantee that tomorrow, the same methods won’t be used to abolish the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedure, which was implemented as part of European integration? To eliminate all ecological restrictions on forest logging? To cancel the regimes protecting riparian buffer zones? Or to pass laws designating NGOs as “foreign agents”?
Meanwhile, crucial European integration laws concerning the Emerald Network (the network of Areas of Special Conservation Interest), environmental control, land tax for conservation areas, and many others – which are essential to complete the European integration path – are being delayed for years.
Conservation Requires Democracy and Integrity
Nature conservation is impossible without the rule of law. Because if laws are meaningless, nothing will stop the destruction of nature.
Nature conservation is impossible without the fight against corruption. Because corruption allows those who destroy nature to obtain the necessary illegal decisions and permits.
Nature conservation is impossible without ensuring public participation in decision-making. Because the dedication of citizens to preserving their native land is the foundation of the conservation movement.
Nature conservation is impossible without the inevitability of responsibility for violating the law. Because impunity encourages continued illegal logging, plowing, construction of dams and wind turbines, mineral extraction, and other harmful activities.
Various law enforcement agencies have carried out important work in recent years to ensure environmental legality. For instance, just yesterday, notices of suspicion were served to officials of the State Enterprise “Forests of Ukraine” for illegal logging. Honest law enforcement officers are successfully fighting in courts to return stolen Protected Areas Fund (PZF) sites, forests, and coastal strips to state ownership. We are grateful for this work. All our aspirations to halt the destruction of nature are realized through state decisions to stop illegal activities – precisely through the dedicated, difficult work of conscientious and principled law enforcement officers.
But where is the guarantee that their capabilities won’t be destroyed in the same manner tomorrow – as has already partially occurred with the adoption of Law No. 12089?
The situation is further exacerbated by the recent liquidation of the specialized Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources (Min dovkillia), which provided a vital balance and system of checks and balances in decision-making regarding the preservation and use of natural resources.
We call on the state’s highest leadership not to deviate from the path of European integration, a path that the people of Ukraine fought for during the Maidan Revolution and are defending in the war. The independence and capacity of all necessary state institutions – both anti-corruption and environmental – must be restored and guaranteed. It is as a democratic and transparent state that Ukraine must achieve Victory.
