Approximately 2/3 of Ukraine’s territory is occupied by steppes and forest. These particular zones boast unique chernozem soils (black soils) that have proved to be the most fertile soils. Chernozem has been formed in the unique climatic conditions that made steppe zone. Only in these areas herbaceous plants conserve greenhouse gases in soil with maximum efficiency. The gases don’t decay in soil due to specific climatic conditions.
There isn’t more effective method of conservation of greenhouse gases than preservation of natural steppe ecosystems.
Unfortunately, because of the quality of soils steppes were ploughed and have been over-used in agricultural industry. Nowadays the nature’s function of accumulation of greenhouse gases is being done only by the last non-arable areas of steppe. These particular areas are home to the 30% of all animals and plants enlisted in the Red Book of Ukraine. But today steppes are being either ploughed up or forested, which also facilitates the quick release of carbon dioxide, that have been cumulated for thousand years, into the atmosphere. As a result of such activity, artificial forests also die. For all that, steppe must be in the steppe zone, and forest – in forest zone.
‘Preserve Ukrainian Steppes’ Public Campaign (73 participants from 9 regions of Ukraine) that has been working in the fields of research, study and protection of Ukrainian steppes, joins to 350.org movement and appeals to all of its participants to pay special attention to the role of steppes in the conservation of greenhouse gases. We also call upon for being aware of forest planting performed according to «execution of climatic initiatives» in the steppe areas. We point on huge damage done by such planting to steppe biodiversity as well as to increasing of greenhouse effect.
