In December 2025, researchers from the Institute of Telecommunications and Global Information Space of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine conducted an expeditionary study in the Lower Dniester National Nature Park. The fieldwork was carried out by Head of the Research Department, Doctor of Technical Sciences Vasyl Trysniuk, and Senior Researcher, Candidate of Technical Sciences Viacheslav Okhariev.
The expedition took place near the village of Maiaky in Odesa District, an area characterized by active transformations of natural landscapes caused by significant anthropogenic pressure and the impacts of military hostilities. During the field campaign, the scientists surveyed damaged ecosystems of the Dniester River valley, collected field data to assess the environmental condition of the affected areas, and performed comprehensive photographic and geodetic documentation of local disturbances and degradation of the riverbank zone.
As part of the visit, a working meeting was held with Acting Director of the Lower Dniester National Nature Park Volodymyr Samusiev and Head of the Park’s Scientific Department Mykola Rozhenko. The discussion focused on prospects for further cooperation, the use of satellite and unmanned technologies to document environmental crimes (ecocide), and the development of a unified database of environmental losses.
According to the park administration, more than 5,000 hectares of natural areas have been damaged as a result of hostilities and large-scale fires. In particular, up to 1,800 hectares of vegetation were destroyed during a single fire episode, causing substantial environmental damage.
The field data collected during the expedition will be used for further modeling and refinement of biodiversity loss estimates, systematic documentation of ecocide, and preparation of an evidence base to be submitted to state authorities for international accountability of the aggressor state.
