Today, rewilding efforts are breathing new life into the Ukrainian Danube Delta. By immersing soldiers and their families in the landscape’s resurgent nature, a pioneering initiative is now helping people heal too.
The mental burden of war
The human cost of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been extreme. Since the start of 2022, there have been over 40,000 civilian casualties, while 3.7 million people are now internally displaced and nearly 7 million have fled the country. In addition to the more than 46,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed on the battlefield, nearly 380,000 have been injured and tens of thousands remain missing in action or are held in Russian captivity.
While news reports on the war have largely focused on deaths and injuries, the psychological toll of the conflict has also been considerable. Many Ukrainian veterans return home with the invisible wounds of war, such as traumatic brain injuries acquired in combat, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and severe anxiety. Some find ways to cope and recover from their harrowing experience, but many have problems reintegrating into civilian life. According to Ukraine’s Ministry of Health, 1.8 million soldiers and veterans may need psychological support.
Healing with nature
To support Ukrainian army personnel and help with their rehabilitation, the Rewilding Ukraine team launched an initiative called “Nature for Veterans” earlier this month. This will see groups of veterans brought to the Ukrainian part of the Danube Delta rewilding landscape, where rewilding efforts continue to have a positive impact, despite the ongoing war. By immersing them in resurgent nature, the aim is to help them with their own personal recovery.
“Rewilding combines the themes of restoration, life, and healing – something that Ukrainian society deeply needs at the moment,” says Rewilding Ukraine rewilding officer Oleg Dyakov, who came up with the idea for the initiative. “Several members of the Rewilding Ukraine team have been working as volunteers to help veterans and civilians since 2022, and these efforts evolved into this programme.”
In the third week of May, five veterans and their families visit the Danube Delta for two days – two men came with their children, and three with their wives. The group were accompanied by members of the Rewilding Ukraine team for the duration of their trip. They took several boat rides to see various parts of the landscape, including 2300-hectare Ermakiv Island, where the team have released water buffalo, Konik horses, red deer and fallow deer to enhance natural grazing and boost biodiversity, and constructed an artificial nesting platform for Dalmatian pelicans.
Positive feedback
This inaugural trip proved a resounding success. Oleksandr, a disabled war veteran, visited the landscape with his wife. They both found the experience meaningful and therapeutic.
“After everything we went through during the war, places like this are more than just a way to relax,” he says. “We were able to pause, breathe deeply, and simply be together in peace and quiet. It was a chance to release some of the tension that has stayed with me since I was in combat. And for us as a couple, it was an opportunity to reconnect in nature, with no need to rush anywhere. The visit was incredibly valuable and much needed.”
Witnessing the rewilding efforts in the delta first-hand convinced Oleksandr of the importance of nature and its power to heal.
“Nature is part of the Ukraine we are defending and protecting it is part of our fight for the future – but in a peaceful way. It must be preserved through support for protected areas, environmental education, and involving people of all backgrounds – including veterans. Rewilding initiatives like this are not only bringing the land back to life, but bringing people back to life too.”
Sergiy, a veteran who visited the landscape with his daughter Lora, was particularly impressed with what he saw on Ermakiv Island.
“The experience helped me understand the important role that wildlife plays in nature and the importance of protecting and enhancing natural processes,” he says. “To me, nature is a source of life, inspiration, and harmony. It provides us with everything we need: air, water, food, and a place to rejuvenate our minds and bodies.”
Moving forwards
The Nature for Veterans initiative is a partnership between Rewilding Ukraine and the National Council of Healthcare and Safety, another Ukrainian NGO. It will run for two years and encompass multiple trips to the landscape, with the Rewilding Ukraine team now exploring ways to enhance the beneficial impact of the experience.
“During this first trip we realised the need to improve inclusivity, through measures such as ensuring access to the pier for people with limited mobility and providing an accessible shower,” explains Oleg Dyakov. “Future visits will be for at least two full day and we’re planning longer routes. We collected feedback and are working to incorporate this with the help of psychologists and possibly rehabilitation specialists.
“Overall, everything went very well. It would be wonderful to continue this initiative and use the restorative power of rewilding and recovering nature to help people who have given so much for their country.”
Rewilding Ukraine would like to thank Inclusive Transfer BezObmez and the Good Samaritan Charitable Foundation, who provided transportation and a driver for the first Nature for Veterans trip.