Kakhovka Reservoir Sediment Assessment, Ukraine

Following the breach of the Nova Kakhovka dam in June 2023—an event with severe environmental, economic, and humanitarian consequences—the NICOLE Foundation was engaged by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to lead a preliminary environmental assessment of exposed upstream sediments.

With more than 40 environmental hotspots identified in the affected floodplain,

our team developed a targeted soil sampling programme to address critical data

gaps on contamination and toxicological risks.

This work supports:

• Local administrations in evidence-based recovery planning,

• Monitoring efforts by the State Environment Inspectorate, and

• Assessment of risks related to potential agricultural reuse of contaminated sediments.

Our efforts directly contribute to the broader UN Post-Disaster Needs

Assessment and ongoing UNEP-led environmental recovery efforts.

Supported Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs):