In Ukraine, the problem of the shallowing and disappearance of small rivers is becoming increasingly acute. These rivers are an important part of natural ecosystems and a key source of water for local communities.
Among the main causes are climate change, deforestation, pollution, and economic activities. In the Carpathian region, the reduction of forest cover leads to streams and small rivers losing water and gradually disappearing.
Over recent decades, the average annual temperature in Ukraine has increased by approximately 1.5–2°C, which has been accompanied by reduced water levels in small rivers during the summer period and more frequent drought conditions.
According to experts, over the past decades, thousands of small rivers and streams in Ukraine have disappeared or significantly degraded, negatively affecting the water balance, biodiversity, and access to water in communities.
Small rivers play a key role in the formation of water resources, as they feed larger river systems and help maintain groundwater levels. Their degradation creates risks for both the environment and people.
In the Ivano-Frankivsk region, this issue is particularly relevant given the mountainous landscape and communities' reliance on small rivers. These rivers provide water for many settlements, especially in mountainous areas.
In the region, there are hundreds of small rivers and streams, most of which belong to the Dniester and Prut river basins and are critically important for local water supply.
For example, rivers such as Sivka and Hnyla Lypa play an important role in maintaining the regional water balance, but are also affected by climate change, seasonal shallowing, and human pressure.
Climate change, reduced forest cover, and increasing pressure on natural resources may lead to lower water levels in rivers during summer and higher risks of flooding. This directly affects communities and the condition of the environment.
In this context, initiatives aimed at monitoring, research, and conservation of small rivers are especially important.
Our organization is also contributing to addressing this issue by implementing a project on monitoring small rivers in the Ivano-Frankivsk region.