The occupiers stated their intention to develop tourist infrastructure around the biosphere reserve “Askania-Nova” and the temporarily occupied left bank of Kherson region.
This was reported by media controlled by the Russian Federation.
Thus, the occupiers plan to create eco-trails within the reserve, build a congress hall “Askania-Nova” and arrange campsites in Chaplynka and near the villages of Hryhorivka, Ivanivka and Strohanivka.
According to the occupiers, these measures are intended to transform the reserve from a transit point on a route into a separate tourist destination.
Recall, in November the occupation authorities of the “Askania-Nova” biosphere reserve stated their intention to “exchange” animals with the Moscow Zoo.
In May 2024, information appeared that the occupiers concealed information about the removal of animals from the “Askania-Nova” reserve to the Russian Federation, listed under the CITES Convention.
During 2023-2024 the so-called exchanges of animals, from the “Askania-Nova” biosphere reserve in particular, have been systematically carried out by the illegal authorities. The Ukrainian leadership of the reserve pointed out that such exchanges are unequal.
The reserve itself, “Askania-Nova” is in critical condition, and its employees are not being paid salaries.