Don’t rebuild the dam: Ukrainian experts urge Unesco to protect site uncovered by Russian sabotage
As archaeologists find treasure trove along new floodplain, conservationists say another Nova Kakhovka would be ecocide
TL;DR
- Archaeologists and researchers are exploring the Dnipro River floodplain revealed by the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam.
- The team has found numerous artifacts, including Bronze Age tools, Scythian ceramics, Byzantine amphorae, and entire ancient boats.
- The 'great meadow' area, previously submerged by the reservoir, has rapidly regenerated into wetlands and grasslands.
- Experts are advocating for the 'great meadow' to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- They argue that rebuilding the Nova Kakhovka dam would be an 'ecocide' and detrimental to the environment and historical preservation.
- The area holds significant historical importance as the first stronghold of the Zaporizhzhian Cossacks and has traces of human life dating back to the Mesolithic era.
- Despite the ongoing war and the area being a 'grey zone,' research and preservation efforts are underway.
- There is a push from some interests to rebuild the dam for irrigation purposes, while conservationists and historians oppose this.