Meotyda National Nature Park, Natural reserve on the Sea of Azov coast, Ukraine
Meotyda National Nature Park covers about 20,720 hectares along the northern coast of the Sea of Azov and includes coastal plains, wetlands, and saline lakes. The area features diverse habitats shaped by brackish waters, marshy zones, and open water surfaces.
The park was established on December 25, 2009, combining multiple nature reserves and state lands in the southwestern part of Donetsk Oblast. This consolidation of separate protected areas created a larger, unified reserve for conservation purposes.
The name comes from the Maeotians, an ancient people who lived along the Azov shores and whose influence remains in regional place names like Lake Maeotis. Visitors can trace this historical naming in the landscape and local designations they encounter.
The park offers access through several entry points, allowing visitors to explore areas like Belosariaiskka Spit and Kryva Bay. It is best to visit during warmer seasons and bring suitable footwear for wet ground conditions.
The area is home to over 100 bird species that nest here, including specialized species adapted to saline and wetland conditions. This variety makes the park an important breeding and stopover site for many migratory birds on their journeys.
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