Azov-Black Sea Corridor
Enhancing opportunities for ecological restoration along a major migration route.
This planning grant laid the groundwork for restoration across the Azov–Black Sea eco-corridor, a landscape of coastal, estuarine, delta and steppe habitats that supports over 10,000 species of flora and fauna. The region is a vital stopover for millions of migratory birds and an important route for migratory fish. Decades of human pressure have reduced ecosystem resilience, driving the need for coordinated recovery.
Southern Ukraine
Centre for Regional Studies (CRS)
US$ 61,462
October 2019 – September 2021
80,000 ha coastal corridor
Coastal wetlands, estuaries, deltas, steppe grasslands
Why This Landscape Matters
Stretching for 800 km, the Azov–Black Sea corridor is one of the most important ecological routes in Eurasia. Twice a year, around eight million migratory birds use the area to rest and feed on their journeys between Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The corridor also provides passage for migratory fish such as sturgeon, while its wetlands and deltas support local livelihoods.
However, since the 1940s, large-scale land conversion, water mismanagement and industrial pressures have degraded ecosystems, reducing biodiversity and the services they provide to people.
What the Project Did
The grant developed a strategy for ecological restoration across the corridor and built strong regional partnerships to support its future delivery. The grant delivered:
Proposals for reviving key natural processes, including hydrological regimes and coastal dynamics.
Strengthened cooperation between conservation organisations and regional government.
Identification of three priority restoration areas: the Lower Dnieper landscape (380,000 ha), the Dniester delta and upper Dniester liman (39,000 ha), and the Tuzly lagoons (20,500 ha).
Integration of restoration measures into regional development plans through work with local authorities.
Looking Ahead
The project created a clear vision for restoring the ecological functionality of the Azov–Black Sea corridor, linking biodiversity recovery with benefits for local communities. Although its concept was approved by the Odessa Regional State Administration for funding, further progress has been suspended due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
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