Yesterday, the world was shaken by a horrific act of terrorism: Russia’s deliberate destruction of the Kakhovka power plant dam. According to the assessment of our partner Environment-People-Law, the aftermath of this act of ecocide will negatively affect human security, including a significant disruption in water supply, destruction of homes and business and enhanced danger posed by mines. This is in addition to severe environmental impacts on biodiversity in the South of Ukraine. In these challenging times, it is crucial to stand firm and united, to lend a helping hand to those who directly suffered from this catastrophe.
In this issue, we unveil the horrifying extent of the environmental damages, inflicted upon Ukraine by Russia. We also delve into the perspectives of our partners who have dedicated their efforts to assess and address the Kakhovka ecocide. Additionally, we provide the most recent updates from Ukrainian civil society organizations and a selection of opportunities. Stay resolute, stay united, and explore our read.
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Russia’s brutal and unprovoked war has caused significant destruction in Ukraine. The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine has assessed damages amounting to 1,970 billion UAH, with the largest portion allocated to air pollution at 994.35 billion UAH, followed by waste at 905 billion UAH and soil at 12 billion UAH. The scale of environmental crimes includes deforestation covering 281,223 hectares, violations of environmental protection zones spanning 1,2 million hectares, oil spills on soil and in water amounting to 14,589 tons and 11,070 tons respectively, 333 units of explosive materials (projectiles), waste pollution affecting 1,59 square meters, and atmospheric emissions totaling 49,9 tons.
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Civil Society News
Environmental CSOs Demand Global Response to Russia’s Devastating Ecocide
Environmental civil society organizations, including the USAID/ENGAGE partners Environment People Law and National Interest Advocacy Network (ANTS) urge colleagues, international experts, and institutions to respond to the recent act of ecocide committed by Russia – the destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant. The appeal highlights significant risks to human security and biodiversity, including the enhanced threat to nuclear safety and the danger posed by mines. CSOs call for assistance including gathering evidence, assessing the consequences, and developing mechanisms to prevent future destruction.
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Crimean Institute for Strategic Studies Highlights the Catastrophic Consequences of Kakhovka Ecocide for Cultural Heritage
Crimean Institute for Strategic Studies emphasizes that the destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant by Russia’s forces jeopardizes the existence of historical landscapes and archaeological sites in the coastal areas on both banks of the Dnipro River, where ancient settlements and medieval monuments from the era of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania are located. Activists consider it a true disaster for the region’s archaeological sites, ecology, and the well-being of local residents.
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Community Foundation of Kherson “Zakhyst” Supports Flood-Affected Kherson Residents
In response to the devastating flooding caused by the destruction of the Kakhovka dam, the Community Foundation of Kherson “Zakhyst” has initiated a fundraising campaign to acquire motorized inflatable boats and essential equipment for assisting the affected residents of Kherson. Within a single day, the CSO raised over UAH 90,000 towards equipment procurement. The fundraising efforts continue to provide ongoing support.
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International Center for Ukrainian Victory Strengthens Global Support for Ukraine’s Security and NATO Membership
In May, the International Center for Ukrainian Victory (ICUV) conducted over 100 meetings with decision-makers and civil society representatives from 10 countries, including Norway, Finland, Estonia, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Belgium. ICUV representatives also participated in key international security conferences to discuss the future of security architecture and promote Ukraine’s NATO membership. These efforts played a significant role in forming an international F-16 coalition to provide modern fighter jets to Ukraine.
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Ukrainian Association of Music Events Promotes Ukrainian Culture at International Music Festival in the Czech Republic
On June 6-11, the Ukrainian Association of Music Events participates in the international Rock for People festival in Hradec Králové, Czechia. The CSO set up an edutainment zone where festival attendees can learn about the current situation in Ukraine, its culture and the fight for a democratic future. The organization will raise funds for its humanitarian initiative, Music Saves UA, aimed to aid Ukrainians affected by the war.
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Transparency International Ukraine Analyzes ARMA Head Candidates
Starting May 30, the Commission for the Selection of the Head of the Asset Recovery and Management Agency began conducting interviews with ten candidates for this position. Transparency International Ukraine analyzed the candidates, examining their property and assets, possible ties with Russia, potential conflicts, disciplinary records, and more. For further details, read the provided material.
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Gender Zed Advocates for Adoption of Civil Partnership Draft Law
The video explainer by Gender Zed promotes support for the draft law on civil partnership, guides how to write and send personal letters to Members of Parliament, gives an overview of the legislative process, and empowers citizens to contribute to positive changes in the country. The campaign is part of a broader effort led by Ukrainian LGBTQI+ CSOs aimed to demonstrate widespread support for the initiative and influence elected officials.
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Opportunities
Explore Our Opportunities
We are excited to offer a variety of opportunities for job seekers, civil society actors, and service providers:
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Qualified specialists interested in our job openings are encouraged to review the listings – https://bit.ly/3UKgGN7
- Request for applications for civil society initiatives to provide even greater institutional and project support – https://bit.ly/3GUdk4e
- Request for Proposals for Adaptive Mentoring and Training for CSOs – https://bit.ly/3qC7u20
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Request for Proposals for Series of Trainings on Organizational Resiliency for ENGAGE Institutional Partner CSOs – https://bit.ly/3CeVx51
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Strengthening Ukrainian Cultural Institutions through Ukrainian-American Collaboration in the Performing Arts
The U.S. Embassy in Ukraine announces an open competition for Ukrainian organizations and individuals to submit applications to carry out a program to support Ukrainian performing arts by fostering Ukrainian – American collaborations and/or presenting American content in theatrical plays, musical, dance and literature performances. The application deadline is July 31.
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What We Read
Towards An Acceptable Accounting of Ukraine’s Post-War Environmental Damages
Russia`s war has caused enormous environmental damage to Ukraine. How can we estimate this damage in order to calculate the cost of recovery and reparations for the victims? This article by Andriy Demydenko and Eugene Stakhiv discusses methods for damage estimation routinely used by Western nations.
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