Organisers: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Ukrainian Nature Conservation Group (UNCG)

Format: in person and online

This session will focus on the environmental consequences of the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam and Reservoir in southern Ukraine — a huge tragedy. A breach in the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Dam, caused by an explosion on 6 June 2023, led to a massive flooding event in the southern Dnipro river and along the coast of the Black Sea, causing significant damage to both human livelihoods and nature. This breach also led to the dewatering of the Kakhovka Reservoir — one of the largest artificial reservoirs in Europe — which had been the central node of the water system for southern Ukraine, providing water for households, industry and agriculture.

The Ukrainian specialists participating in the session have first-hand information of the consequences of this tragedy. Among the presenters are representatives from Ukrainian civil society and the public authorities with important perspectives about the reservoir.

You will hear short presentations about:

• The role of pre-war water management in the reservoir, and its importance for different sectors of the economy and riverine ecosystems.

• The immediate environmental and social consequences of the destruction of the dam and de-watering of the reservoir.

• The impact of the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam on the Black Sea ecosystem.

• What kind of ecosystems are developing in the bed of the former reservoir over a year after the catastrophe.

Aside from these topics, we will discuss possible futures for the reservoir and prospects and need for restoration. There will also be an open question and answer session.