Svitiaz Lake, Ukraine
Restoration and preservation of Lake Svitiaz ecosystem for sustainable development.
Site description
Lake Svitiaz is the largest and deepest lake in Ukraine, located within the Shatsk National Natural Park on the main European watershed between the Black Sea and Baltic Sea basins, forming part of a unique ecosystem with rare and protected species of flora and fauna. The park's territory is part of the Western Polissia Transboundary Biosphere Reserve UNESCO and has the status of a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention IBA 28 Shatsk Lakes.
Svitiaz has historical significance due to the healing properties of its water. The lake water contains silver, iodine, and glycerin, which makes it beneficial for health. These elements help wounds heal, improve skin elasticity, and the water can be consumed without boiling.
Today, it is a popular tourist region with an annual influx of about 100–150 thousand visitors. The growth of tourism requires sustainable solutions for the preservation of natural resources. It is already necessary to plan measures for conserving natural resources, applying nature-based solutions, ensuring the sustainable development of local communities, and organizing educational activities to raise environmental awareness among the population.
According to the Vistula River Basin Management Plan (2024), Svityaz is a separate surface water body UA_A6.6.1_0169. According to environmental assessments, the lake is at risk of not achieving good ecological status.
Lake Svitiaz is affected by several serious threats, including water pollution, climate change, eutrophication, the spread of invasive species, and overall ecosystem degradation. In response to these challenges, the main directions for restoration have been identified as climate change adaptation, maintaining a stable water regime, improving water quality and reducing pollution levels, restoring biodiversity, as well as protecting coastal areas and preserving the natural integrity of the lake's ecosystem.
Previous restoration activities
1998-2000: Project to improve the hydrological condition of lake complexes. With the financial support of the EECONET Action Fund, work was carried out to re-naturalize wetlands by increasing the water content of the territory. The project is an example of the successful integration of environmental, scientific, and social approaches to the restoration of natural ecosystems, and the results obtained confirm the effectiveness of the measures implemented.
- 2019-2021: Project “Improving the environmental situation in Shatsk National Park by sewerage of settlements around Svitiaz” (Interreg Program Poland-Belarus-Ukraine). The project is an example of a comprehensive solution to environmental problems through infrastructure modernization, international cooperation, and improving the environmental safety of one of Ukraine's most valuable natural sites. The commissioning of the wastewater treatment facilities will help reduce anthropogenic pressure.
- 2020: Partial repair of the hydraulic structures of the Kopaiv drainage system to maintain sufficient water levels in Lake Svitiaz during low-water periods of the year.
The project for the partial repair of the hydraulic structures of the Kopaiv drainage system is an effective engineering, technical, and environmentally sound measure. Its full implementation will ensure the stability of the hydrological regime of Lake Svitiaz, improve the water balance of the region, and increase the resilience of natural ecosystems during periods of low water.
- 2021: Installation of the state monitoring point for surface water quality “Svitiaz River-Svitiaz”- is a successful step towards environmental safety and scientifically sound management of natural resources. The project ensured transparency of environmental control, improved the effectiveness of state monitoring, and contributed to the sustainable development of the region.
Current goals of restoration at the site
The primary goals of the lake restoration are to ensure and maintain good water quality, prevent shallowing caused by climate change and insufficient inflow sources, restore biodiversity, and raise public awareness about the lake’s problems.
In addition, the main focus will be on studying and reducing the anthropogenic impact on the lake.
Sectors involved in lake basin management
Lake Svitiaz and its ecosystem fall under the responsibility and interest of multiple sectors and stakeholders at various levels. Key actors include national and local government bodies (such as the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine, the State Agency of Water Resources, Shatsk National Natural Park, and local self-government authorities), research institutions (including ecologists, hydrologists, and climatologists), local communities and farmers, entrepreneurs in the tourism and recreation sectors, fishing enterprises, as well as civil society and environmental organizations.
Thus, stakeholders include everyone who uses the lake's resources, lives around it, monitors the use of the lake's ecosystem, studies aquatic ecosystems, fishes, visits for recreation or is simply interested in preserving nature for future generations.
Further reading
