Kedr.Media used satellite imagery to analyze changes to Moscow’s natural and green areas over the past 15 years.
In its report “How Moscow Got Worse”, the outlet examines the Mnyovniki floodplain, Troitskoye-Lykovo, Serebryany Bor, Bitsevsky Forest, Losiny Ostrov, Vorobyovy Gory and other areas.
The publication provides examples of road, metro, residential, sports and religious construction accompanied by tree removal or changes to natural areas. In some cases, the work prompted protests by local residents and disputes over permitting documents.
Kedr also examines changes to the legal status of Moscow’s natural areas and cites environmentalists and activists who argue that new classifications may expand opportunities for infrastructure development.
The causes and legal circumstances differ from one area to another. The fact that trees were removed or construction occurred therefore has to be distinguished from assessments of legality and environmental impact, which in the report often come from experts and activists interviewed by the outlet.