The proposed wetlands for protection are located on the left bank floodplain terrace of the Dnieper River in the Boryspil district. These areas include diverse ecosystems, such as pine forests, marshes, and floodplain meadows, supporting rare plant species like Pasque flowers, orchids, and Siberian iris. The wetlands are home to numerous wildlife species, including amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Despite their ecological importance, the area is currently used for hunting and logging, which pose threats to its fragile ecosystems. The Ukrainian Nature Conservation Group is working to secure reserve status to preserve the biodiversity and rare species found in these wetlands.

Mixed site

Shapchyn, Kruhly, Karan and Glukhivshchyna Bogs

The area, located in the floodplain of the Stublа River, was previously used for agricultural purposes, which helped maintain the natural landscape and ecosystems relatively intact. The site features a diverse wetland ecosystem, including reed beds, marshes, and wet meadows. It is home to several protected species, such as the white stork, greenfinch, and eastern nightingale, along with small mammals like the vole, large white-toothed shrew, and water shrew. In 2024, peat extraction was planned for 420 hectares of the floodplain, but this posed a threat to the ecosystem and cultural heritage of the area. The Ukrainian Nature Conservation Group collaborated with environmental authorities to prevent the extraction, ensuring the protection of the site.

Wetland

Stublа River Floodplain

Irdyn Swamp, located in Ukraine's Cherkasy region, is a crucial wetland ecosystem that shelters a wide variety of protected species. The swamp, which was historically used for peat extraction, is now a candidate for national park status due to its biodiversity. It is home to rare species such as the red-bellied toad (Bombina bombina), white stork (Ciconia ciconia), Apollo butterfly (Parnassius mnemosyne), and the large oak longhorn beetle (Cerambyx cerdo). In total, over 250 populations of protected species have been recorded here, with many listed in the Red Book of Ukraine and the IUCN Red List. Since 2019, the Ukrainian Nature Conservation Group has been advocating for the establishment of the "Irdynske" National Nature Park, which will play a key role in preserving these species and the natural heritage of the region.

Irdyn Swamp

The Haidamatske Swamp Reserve, covering 751.7 hectares in the Zheryvskyi and Obukhivetskyi forestry districts, holds both natural and historical significance. It served as a shelter for Haidamaka bands in the 18th century and later for partisans during wartime conflicts. The reserve features mixed pine-oak forests, raised bogs, and a diverse array of plant and animal species, including rare and protected flora like Pasque flower and Early-purple orchid, and fauna such as the European pond turtle and the Eurasian lynx. The area is home to unique ecosystems, including sphagnum bogs, but faces potential threats from logging and drainage. Efforts are underway to monitor and protect this important site through ongoing Environmental Impact Assessments.

Haidamatske Swamp Nature reserve

The site, located in the Rivne region, is a natural wetland area targeted for amber extraction, which poses significant environmental risks. The site borders several protected areas, including the Yelnivskyi and Velykoozeryansky botanical nature reserves, as well as the Rivne Nature Reserve, part of the Emerald Network. The wetland ecosystem is dominated by mesotrophic bogs with sphagnum cover, essential for the area's ecological balance. The site also features rare plant and animal species, including the Eastern Imperial Eagle, European Elk, and several species listed in the Red Book of Ukraine. Despite previous denials for extraction permits, permission was granted, leading to public outcry. The Ukrainian Nature Conservation Group successfully opposed the amber extraction project, and the area is now set to be included in the Rivne Nature Reserve, ensuring its protection from harmful activities.

Yelne Marsh

Karsiborska Kępa is a nature reserve in the Świna River delta. It was formed by the subsidence of river sediments and has a long history of agricultural use. Since the early 20th century, the island was used as pastureland, but by the late 20th century, farming had significantly declined. In 1993, OTOP purchased the island for conservation purposes.

The area is an important stopover and breeding site for migratory birds, especially waders and the endangered Aquatic Warbler. Conservation efforts include mowing reedbeds and maintaining water balance to preserve the island’s natural habitats. OTOP continuously monitors the effects of conservation measures on vegetation and bird populations.


OTOP Karsiborksa Kepa Community Reserve 

The site is located in the Koriukivka district of Chernihiv oblast, northern Ukraine, and represents one of the last remaining natural peatlands and wetlands in the region. The area, with a peat layer thickness of up to 3.4 meters, borders the "Kalachivska Dacha" hydrological reserve. This reserve, rich in biodiversity and essential for groundwater regulation, provides habitat for species such as elk, roe deer, and several birds. Despite its ecological value, the site faces threats from planned peat extraction, which could destroy its protected territory. The Ukrainian Nature Conservation Group has successfully blocked commercial projects that would harm the area's biodiversity and continues to monitor future developments to protect this valuable natural site.

Peatland

Kalachivska Dacha Nature Reserve 

The area was previously the largest floodplain of the Dnipro River in its lower reaches, but in 1952, the Kakhovka Reservoir (2,115 km²) was created on top of it. In June 2023, Russian forces blew up the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant dam, draining the reservoir in 14 days, causing devastating floods and significant environmental impacts. After the dam's destruction, the original landscape was revealed, and vegetation began to recover rapidly. Willows and poplars spread widely, and the area now resembles the former floodplain forest. The area is significant for ecosystem services and migratory birds. It is part of the Emerald Network and partially included in two Ramsar sites.

Velykyi Luh (former Kakhovka Reservoir)

The OTOP-managed reserve at the former mouth of the Reda River is a unique coastal site shaped by centuries of meadow and pasture farming and natural saltwater influence. Established in 1988 and expanded in 2018 to include marine waters of the Bay of Puck, it is the only reserve in the country with such protection. It features rare coastal salt meadows, Molinia meadows, and fen mires, supporting over 200 bird species, rare plants, insects, amphibians, and fish. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining open coastal meadows through mowing and grazing, as well as ongoing monitoring of birds, habitats, water conditions, and biodiversity.

Beka nature reserve

Peat extraction is planned for over 1,000 hectares in the Vutyshno peatland, located in the Manevychi district of Volyn oblast, Ukraine. The area is near several protected sites, including Emerald sites and nature reserves. The site contains diverse ecosystems, including mixed forests, coniferous forests, and marshy areas with rich plant and animal biodiversity. However, the planned extraction threatens the destruction of soil and plant cover, loss of rare species, and damage to protected habitats. Despite attempts to submit the project for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) twice, the Ukrainian Nature Conservation Group successfully blocked the proposal, ensuring continued protection of the area. The organization continues to monitor the situation closely.

Vutyshno Peatland 

Bird watching platform

The Zajki Social Reserve of OTOP, bordering Biebrza National Park, consists of meadows, peatlands, and mineral uplands historically used for agriculture. Key conservation efforts focus on maintaining open habitats for the globally threatened aquatic warbler and other valuable bird species through controlled mowing and biomass removal.

OTOP Zajki Social Reserve 

The OTOP community reserve is located near Biebrza National Park. Historically used for mowing and hay harvesting, the area has faced overgrowth issues since the 1980s. Key conservation efforts focus on preserving habitats for species like the aquatic warbler, common snipe, and rare orchids through mowing and biomass harvesting to prevent further habitat loss.

OTOP Szorce Social Reserve 

The Mścichy Community Reserve, located between the village of Mścichy and the Biebrza River, has a long history of cattle grazing and hayfield management. Since the 1970s, drainage ditches have been built, but by the late 1980s, farmers abandoned the land. Since 2005, OTOP has purchased part of the area.  The area is home to key species like the Aquatic Warbler and Great Snipe, along with a variety of waders, orchids, and larger mammals. OTOP manages the land through farming to preserve habitats for these species.

OTOP Mścichy Community Reserve

The Psel River valley is a biologically rich area with a diverse range of ecosystems, including river habitats, marshy meadows, and wetland forests. Despite past agricultural activities, the valley retains its unique natural features and is home to many rare species, such as the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis), black stork (Ciconia nigra), and European otter (Lutra lutra). It plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological corridors and migration routes. In 2019, parts of the valley were designated as part of the Emerald Network, recognizing its importance for biodiversity conservation. However, the area faces threats from deforestation, wetland drainage, and climate change, making its preservation vital for regional wildlife.

Psel River Valley (Emerald Sites Upper, Lower, Middle)

The Krajnik Reserve, located on the right bank of the Oder River, has been historically used for agriculture. OTOP purchased 20 ha of land here in 2009 to protect the habitat of the Aquatic Warbler. The area is a wet meadow, home to a variety of bird species such as the common snipe, lapwing, and redshank, as well as orchids. OTOP's main conservation efforts focus on maintaining low-intensity management and improving water management to address drainage issues. Monitoring of vegetation and bird populations ensures the effectiveness of these measures.

OTOP Krajnik Social Reserve

The Studenykivsky Regional Landscape Park, established in 2022, is a protected area located in Ukraine. It encompasses diverse habitats, including floodplain meadows, meadow-steppe areas, and mixed forests. The park is home to rare plant species like the Large purple orchid and Marsh orchid, as well as protected animals such as the Great crested newt and European pond turtle. The park plays a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, providing habitats for numerous species and maintaining ecological balance. Local community efforts were key in securing the park’s protection, and ongoing conservation activities are supported by the Ukrainian Nature Conservation Group.