Action for Re-naturalizing of Lake Sasyk

Sasyk is an estuary in the north-western Black Sea, with the status of a wetland (VBU) of international importance and Ramsar status. The idea was to create a new lake that was supposed to provide irrigation for the surrounding villages. The lake remained salty and the ecosystem toppled. The project ended in a ecological, social and economical disaster. The environment and as a consequence, the health conditions of the population have alarmingly deteriorated. Despite having no function at all, the dam is still not decommissioned, due to corruption and ignorance of the responsible authorities.

The deterioration of the bay has not only had effect on health and biodiversity, but has also had an enormous socio economic impact on the population. Tourism in the region disappeared and the formerly popular beach at the lake cannot be commercially exploited anymore.

The effects can be reversed by decommissioning the dam, as has been sufficiently thoroughly researched by numerous scientists. According to a survey carried out by the organization, 97% of the population is in favour of opening the dam.