These large-scale destructions had a devastating impact. As highlighted in this report, recovery over the next 10 years will require a broad mobilization, to which UNESCO remains committed with the support of its Member States and partners.
Chiara Dezzi BardeschiUNESCO Representative to Ukraine
UNESCO experts took part in the preparation of this just released report, which depicts a very alarming situation, particularly for the cultural and educational sector, as well as for the environment and Ukrainian protected areas, including a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
In response to the ever-increasing number of disasters in Ukraine, UNESCO assists the Ukrainian authorities in several areas, providing support for pupils and teachers, training cultural professionals, and implementing emergency measures to safeguard tangible and intangible heritage.
Culture, third most damaged sector
Partly because of its high-density concentration of cultural properties, with many archaeological sites, the total damage cost for culture in the area impacted is estimated at US$ 156.8 million, representing the 3rd most affected sector after energy and housing. The oblast of Kherson concentrates 72% of these damages.
The Ukrainian cultural sector in the region, already suffering from depletion of specialized professionals and lack of materials because of the invasion, will require urgent and long-term support for the safeguarding and documentation of cultural assets, with US$ 364 million needed for the next decade.
UNESCO also raises concerns over the serious risk of illicit excavations, looting and export in these regions, as the recessing water of the dam reservoirs are now unveiling so far undocumented unique heritage.
An environmental disaster
The Kakhovka dam breach caused a catastrophic flood, affecting 620 km² of land, including many protected areas of national and international importance, with 330,000 ha of protected areas and 11,294 ha of forested areas, for an estimated loss of over US$ 6.4 billion.
Because the left bank of the Dnipro River, which currently falls in temporary occupied territories, is particularly affected by the flooding, and due to the halt to sustainable tourism, the UNESCO Chernomorskiy ('Black Sea') Biosphere Reserve has been severely impacted by the floods. Located less than 45km south-west of the city Kherson, this reserve is a unique natural environment, home to a rich fauna and flora in the region.
According to the report, US$ 59.5 million will be needed to carry out a full environmental impact assessment of all affected areas, and to train professionals in the regeneration and protection of these natural habitats.
UNESCO will be supporting national and regional authorities in their management of water resources and hydrometeorological risks.
37 educational institutions damaged
Floodings caused US$ 51.97 million in damages to 37 education institutions in Kherson and Mykolaiv oblasts, half of which are in occupied territories. The dam destruction severely exacerbated prevailing learning loss and education crisis, impacting the education system, impeding recovery from lost learning and the psychological distress of students and teachers.
The reconstruction and recovery of damaged education institutions are expected to cost US $62.37 million. This will require not only rebuilding schools, but also training teachers, catching up students' learning level, and reinforcing psychosocial support.
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Post-Disaster Needs Assessment report (PDNA), prepared by the Government of Ukraine and UN agencies in Ukraine, is a detailed account of the extensive damage incurred across the area, encompassing infrastructure, social and productive sectors, and the overarching environmental impact. It also presents financial needs and priorities for the next decade.
