The Chornobyl Radiation and Ecological Biosphere Reserve is a nature conservation area within the Chornobyl NPP exclusion zone in Kyiv Region. It was established by a presidential decree on April 26, 2016, on the thirtieth anniversary of the accident. It replaced the Chornobyl Special General Zoological Reserve.
Why it exists
The reserve is meant to preserve the most typical natural complexes of Polissia in their pristine state, strengthen the protective role of the exclusion zone, prevent the spread of radionuclides, and contribute to the restoration of contaminated lands. Scientific research is conducted here, in particular together with foreign scientists.
Nature
Without people, forests, swamps, and the floodplains of the Prypiat and Uzh rivers have revived in the zone. Moose, wolves, lynxes, beavers, and introduced Przewalski's horses live here. The territory of the reserve features canals, rivers, forests, and abandoned villages.
How to get there
This is the territory of the exclusion zone: you can visit it only with an official excursion and a permit, and during martial law access is restricted. Read about the rules in the article "Chornobyl Excursion Today".
Nearby
Red Forest, Secrets of Chornobyl about the living nature of the zone, a new forest in the zone.
