2023-06-19 12:54:36
until not long ago Odessa was a tourist paradise. Its long beaches, with more than 30 kilometers of coastline, its important port and its atmosphere, made the Ukrainian coastal city one of the most appreciated destinations in Europe. So much so that it was known as the Pearl of the Black Sea.
But everything changed on February 24, 2022. A date marked in red on the calendar for what it meant on a geopolitical level. That day Russia invaded Ukrainian territory, starting a war without quarter that 14 months later is still in full swing. During this time, the lives of Ukrainian citizens have been transformed on every conceivable level. And that includes, of course, the holidays.
Odesa beaches, in Ukraine, where bathing is prohibited due to pollution and mines. (Photo by Viacheslav Onyshchenko/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)
If before, Odesa was a place that received a multitude of foreign visitors, close to 6 million between January and August 2018, now it is the scene of conflict. Its location and its importance (3rd largest city in Ukraine) have made it a highly coveted piece. And its beaches, full of people before, are now uA trap for those who venture into them.
All of them have been declareds not suitable for bathing this 2023. There are two reasons for this decision. The first of them is for the presence of numerous mines antiperson. Since the Russian invasion, the use of these places was not recommended, since in the summer of 2022 there were several deaths due to these explosions.
In addition to the mines, there was the danger for bathers of the Russian attacks. The plan of the Ukrainian authorities was to enable this year a series of specific places where the population might bathe, following having proceeded to clean these elements, but finally it has not been possible.
The second reason that explains why Ukrainians will not be able to enjoy the beaches of Odesa is the pollution of water and sand. The destruction of the presa de Kakovja has filled the beaches with infectious elements, such as salmonella and other parasites. In addition, the pressure of the Dnieper River has washed away more mines and the carcasses of numerous animals, making bathing completely unsafe for humans.
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Waste collection on the beaches of Odesa. (Photo by Roman Pilipey/Getty Images)
Despite these prohibitions, there are people who are ignoring them, ignoring the danger they are running with their decision. There are also those who follow the restrictions, but still go to these beaches to enjoy the area restaurants.
Ecologists warn that this situation will have serious long-term consequences For the enviroment. And it is that in Ukraine today it is a very different country than it was just a year and a half ago. The war has made even the beaches a place banned for its citizens.
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