Belligerent transformation of protected ecosystems of the Dvorichansky National Nature Park and its surroundings according to remote sensing data
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26565/2410-7360-2026-64-14Keywords:
remote sensing, NDVI index, soil erosion, military impact, turf integrity index, landscape transformation, vegetation degradation, UN Sustainable Development GoalsAbstract
Purpose of the study. Full-scale military aggression in eastern Ukraine has caused unprecedented pressure on protected ecosystems, which requires an objective assessment of damage to develop restoration strategies. The purpose of the study is to assess the belligerent transformation of protected ecosystems in the Dvorichansky National Nature Park and its adjacent territories using remote sensing data and to provide a comprehensive assessment of their transformation in the period 2021–2025. The work aims to identify the spatiotemporal dynamics of vegetation activity, analyse the destabilisation of unique Cretaceous outcrops, and mathematically confirm the statistical significance of the transformation of natural complexes under the influence of military factors. The study contributes to the implementation of UN Sustainable Development Goals 13 and 15, providing a scientific basis for ecosystem restoration strategies.
Materials and methods of research. Military aggression in eastern Ukraine has severely impacted protected ecosystems, necessitating an objective damage assessment for restoration planning. This study evaluates the belligerent transformation of the Dvorichansky National Nature Park and adjacent territories from 2021 to 2025 using remote sensing. Our work identifies spatiotemporal vegetation dynamics, analyses Cretaceous outcrop destabilisation, and statistically confirms ecosystem transformation due to military factors.
Results. Analysis of Sentinel-2 satellite data for 2021–2025 revealed the transformation The greatest damage was recorded in built-up areas (62%) and forest areas (45%) located in the adjacent territories. In forests, the share of severe damage increased to 16% due to delayed tree death. A “pseudo-recovery” effect was observed in abandoned fields: in 2022–2024, the NDVI index increased artificially due to mass ruderalization (weed infestation), but in 2025 the vegetation rate fell by 18% below the pre-war level, indicating soil depletion. On chalk slopes, bare rock area increased by 38% (from 42 to 58 hectares). Explosions and turf rupture reduced the integrity index from 0.85 to 0.62, triggering active erosion and ravine formation. Statistical testing (paired t-test, p < 0.05) confirms these changes result from military impact rather than natural fluctuations. Our transformation model illustrates how primary damage triggers cascading, irreversible erosion and chemical degradation.
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