Rivne, Ukraine – Illegal amber mining has blighted the landscape in Rivne, northwest Ukraine, leaving just tree stumps, small bushes and swampy puddles deep in the coniferous forest.
Mafia-style groups flushed out chunks of the golden fossilized resin for years, paying little regard to the environment and fueling a black-market industry that devastated thousands of hectares.
Amber is used to make jewelry and other products, which are hugely sought after in China.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.