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April 26 marks the 34^th anniversary of the Chernobyl Disaster. Out of control wildfires have been ravaging our natural heritage across the globe, destroying wildlife, habitats, forests, homes and livelihoods from the Amazon to Australia to Siberia. Even though they have been burning for some time, the fires in Ukraine are only now hitting the news because of their proximity to Chernobyl, site of one of the worst two nuclear accidents in history. It is known that fires release radioactive elements accumulated in trees and other vegetation. However, for the moment, Ukrainian authorities assure us that radiation levels have not increased outside of the Chernobyl Zone, for example in Kiev. Nevertheless, WWF-Ukraine and WWF-CEE express the opinion that this question should be studied more carefully.
 
This is not the first fire in the Chernobyl Zone. In 1992, 17000 ha were burned. Fires also enveloped the zone in 2003, 2007, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.  Until now, the largest conflagration was in 2015 when 10,000 ha were engulfed in flames. The current fire has swept through 20,000-30,000 ha, and it is still burning.
   
According to Anton Gerashchenko, Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, 95% of the wildfires in Ukraine are the result of deliberate arson or playing with fire. Since it is hard to find anyone who has never observed the primal zeal of our fellow countrymen to set everything from last year on fire, most of the Ukrainian public is ready to believe even in such a remarkable figure. However, the problem with fires does not stem solely from the “fiery traditions” of Ukrainians. The unprecedented magnitude of last year's fires across the globe is related to more severe challenges that can turn any smouldering matchstick into a major natural disaster. WWF-Ukraine is confident that the responsible authorities involved in managing and extinguishing the current wildfire situation in Ukraine are now ready to recognise and learn about these underlying causes, and rise to the challenge. Reflecting on the preconditions for “super fires” is no longer solely the prerogative or concern of scientists and environmentalists.
 
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, being aware of the arid 2020 summer ahead of us, has already allocated 100 million hryvnias (almost 3.5 million Euros) to firefighters and rescue services. According to official data, the number of fires in Ukraine's ecosystems increased by 30% this year. The State Emergency Service (SES) of Ukraine reported the destruction of nearly 18,000 ha of natural systems, and even resorted to an unprecedented emotional statement "If it continues this way, the whole country will be burnt out by winter." The Hydrometeorological Center of Ukraine, forecasts that the  precipitation deficit will be at least 50% even in the spring.
 
What can Ukraine do about reducing the risk of super-fires and providing more sustainability to the country's ecosystems and its own well-being, even in the face of climate change?
 
Create more resilient, natural-like multi-species forests. Creation of single-species coniferous forest plantations is a widespread and well-established practice in Ukraine. Due to a number of causes catalysed by climate change, such forests are more prone to fire and drought than mixed forests of native species. Bark and pine needles are saturated with resins and catch fire in an instant. In contrast, deciduous and mixed, rather shaded forests have a more stable micro-climate and are less susceptible to temperature fluctuations. Fallen trees in deciduous or mixed forests accumulate moisture and are much more reluctant to catch fire than dry pine trees in plantations.
 
The new approach should focus on choosing a sustainable forest management system at all levels. Forest management practices and policies should be established that focus on close-to-nature and climate-adapted forestry. For example, mixed and unevenly-aged forests, not evenly-aged and single-species ones; shifting away from clearcutting; and planting native species typical for the area. Most importantly, it requires a change in forest management philosophy.
 
WWF-Ukraine understands that changing forest management is a long-term challenge. However, the effect will be significant and positive for forestry, biodiversity conservation, and the prevention of super-fires.
 
Prioritise conservation of mature natural forests
Old-growth and virgin forests are habitats for valuable biodiversity. Old-growth forests have such high moisture content that under normal conditions, the spread of fire is largely insignificant. However, this does not exclude the possibility that a significant fire in an "artificial" forest during severe droughts could ignite natural forests and Red Book-listed animal habitats within near-by nature reserves. Since they are usually located in remote areas and access to them is limited due to the lack of roads, extinguishing fires in such natural forests will be very difficult. WWF-Ukraine estimates that there are about 90,000 ha of old-growth forests in Ukraine. Granting them adequate protection status should not be delayed.
 
The Chernobyl Zone should be reforested through a state-sponsored programme that plants natural, mixed forests instead of re-planting a single-species pine forest that is more susceptible to drought and fire.
 
Introduce a ban on draining wetlands, and implement a national programme for wetland restoration. In Polissia, for instance, a significant proportion of the forest grows where wetlands have been drained. Restoration of wetlands will increase the moisture level and reduce the risk of forest fires. In addition, the "living" wetlands are able to retain moisture within a surrounding 6 km area. Soil moisture retention will also benefit Ukrainian agriculture, another sector affected by climate change just as much as forests.
 
Halt the loss of natural systems of Ukraine for economic purposes
In some regions of Ukraine, agricultural land comprises over 80% of the territory. Clearing land of its forest and plant cover for intensive farming destroys the natural water "buffer" - the capacity of the landscape to accumulate and store water. This affects water quality and water balance in general. Hence, we will likely already witness drought in the fields in May. From a scientific point of view, it is essential not only to immediately stop putting new areas under the plough, but also to restore some of the arable lands to meadows, forests, steppe, and other natural systems; creating a mosaic landscape that will retain water and safeguard the area against drought. Nature-based solutions to drought and climate change include restoration of wetlands and peatlands, especially in Polissia, and restoration of the steppe in agricultural regions.
 
The Ukrainian Government introduced Bill 2339 , signed by the President of Ukraine on April 15, to enhance accountability and stiffen fines for setting fires. WWF-Ukraine experts believe it is a good start but may not be effective enough without additional measures such as:

•  improving the system to control burning agricultural stubble, crop residues, and dry vegetation and promoting alternatives to these measures;
• enhancing law enforcement through institutional capacity building so that law breakers will be punished; 
• informing the public about forest fire prevention; and
• supporting local initiatives and communities engaged in public awareness campaigns and fire monitoring.

A Green Recovery
At WWF, we call this a pivotal year. COVID-19 might just be the impetus for us all to take some real action. In early April, 13 ministers of the European Union, representing 73% of the EU population and 83.5% of its GDP, stated that the European Green Deal should be at the heart of its post COVID-19 economic recovery programmes. Ukraine must follow the same path. Failure to do so may lead to a waste of valuable time adapting to climate change and enhancing our ability to withstand future natural disasters, including super-fires. There has never been such a global realisation of the need to change our relationship with the environment. After all, everything we have and receive comes from the environment.
 
For more information:
Tetiana Riabokin
Marketing & Communications Manager
WWF-Ukraine
triabokin@wwf.ua
Tel: +380962304462