"Habitat Endangered as War-Weary Ukrainians Seek Respite by Crowding the River"

 

TYLIHUL ESTUARY, Ukraine, Aug 1 (Reuters) - Amid Russia's ongoing attack on Ukraine and with most of the Black Sea Coast either occupied by Russian troops or within their line of fire, families in search of refuge from the war zone are turning to the inland shores of the Tylihul River. The river expands into a wide estuary bordered by grassland, where kite surfers glide over gentle waves, speedboats entertain children on inflatable rafts, and families bask in the summer sunshine on the narrow beach.

For many visitors, the area provides a much-needed respite, offering a temporary escape from the realities of the nearby front line. However, local authorities and concerned residents express worries about the potential harm that the increasing crowds may cause to this vital and delicate natural habitat.

Petro Kalinchuk, standing on a sandy spit adorned with beach umbrellas and tents, acknowledged, "There are two sides of a coin. On one hand, we understand that there is no access to the sea, and people still want to relax somewhere. On the other hand, we know that the estuary will not survive such a large number of people."

Inna Tymchenko, the deputy head of the Mykolaiv regional department of the National Institute of Ecology, pointed out that the issue lies not so much with the people themselves but with their tents and cars.

Despite the proximity of the front line just a few hours away, visitors appreciate the respite provided by this peaceful spot. However, concerns are growing among authorities and residents over the potential damage to this vital and delicate natural habitat.

"There are two sides of a coin. On one hand, we understand that there is no access to the sea, and people still want to relax somewhere. On the other hand, we know that the estuary will not survive such a large influx of people," expressed Petro Kalinchuk, standing amidst beach umbrellas and tents on a sandy spit.

Inna Tymchenko, deputy head of the Mykolaiv regional department of the National Institute of Ecology, emphasized that the issue lies not with the people themselves, but with their tents and cars. "They are placed in chaotic order, tourists don't know where it is alright to leave a car and where it is not, so they park wherever they want. That's how vegetation cover is being destroyed," she stated.

Furthermore, the noise generated by the increasing crowds is affecting the local bird population. While some birds have adapted to the noise, loud disturbances are new to them this year, which may have grave consequences for the area.

The Tylihul Estuary was seen as a potential sanctuary for birds after the destruction of the vast Black Sea nature preserve at Kinburn Spit due to flooding following the explosion of the Kakhovska Dam on the Dnipro River two months ago. However, without a hospitable refuge here, more birds could face perilous conditions.

Kalinchuk shared that his family has been visiting the river for almost 50 years. In the past, they used to witness birds nesting and tending to their eggs on the beach. However, with the increasing number of visitors, all the birds have vanished, and there are also fewer fish in the area.

Despite these changes to the environment, families are determined to continue coming to the river as long as the war persists and there are limited options for finding respite elsewhere.

"Access to the rivers and the sea is closed. So this is the only place where we can relax after two years of war against Russia," explained resident Viacheslav Natalenko.