Khortytsia National Reserve Celebrates its Anniversary

The festivities are expected to be attended by Metropolitan Volodymyr, head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate), the Day newspaper reports.

The island of Khortytsia, a unique ecological zone in Zaporizhia, will mark the 45th anniversary of being conferred the status of national historical and cultural reserve — in effect since 1965 by a decree of the Council of Ministers. Government care has managed to preserve the unique features of this Zaporizhian island, an Interfax Ukraine reporter was told in the reserve.

Khortytsia contains all the types of natural environment found in Ukraine, from mountains to steppe. More than 1,000 rare species live there, including relict and endemic plants (i.e. those confined to particular limited habitats).

Around 140 species of birds, four species of amphibians, and nearly 20 species of mammals are found in Khortytsia. Moreover, the island is the site of ancient sanctuaries and places of worship of nations long gone, some dating back to the Bronze Age (3000–2000 B.C.).

This 45th anniversary will be marked by theme events held in the libraries of Zaporizhia. According to Maksym Ostapenko, director general of Khortytsia National Reserve, the peak of the celebrations will fall on October.

“The Museum of Zaporizhian Cossacks will be a venue for a major research conference, where Ukrainian scholars will discuss the problems of Cossack history. On Intercession Day, October 14, the reserve will host an international festival of Cossack martial arts ‘Spas,’” informed Ostapenko.