Economic and legal regulation of the use of the natural and recreational potential of the Ukrainian Carpathians on the basis of sustainable development

Abstract

In the context of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, the intensification of environmental threats and the advancement of European integration processes, the issue of effective use of the natural and recreational potential of the Ukrainian Carpathians based on sustainable development principles is becoming increasingly relevant. The Ukrainian Carpathian region is characterized by unique natural resources, significant biodiversity, and high recreational value, creating favorable conditions for the development of tourism, recreation, and related sectors. At the same time, the intensification of economic activity, growing tourist flows, and a low level of environmental awareness increase anthropogenic pressure and lead to ecosystem degradation. Existing economic and legal regulatory mechanisms remain insufficiently effective, which necessitates their improvement in accordance with sustainable development principles.

The article examines the theoretical and methodological foundations of economic and legal regulation of the use of the natural and recreational potential of the Ukrainian Carpathians. It is determined that the key prerequisites for effectiveness are the combination of economic incentives and legal mechanisms aimed at ensuring a balance between economic benefits, environmental safety, and social equity. The natural and recreational potential is considered a strategic resource that requires comprehensive management with regard to long-term consequences.

The current state of scientific research in the fields of environmental management, tourism and recreation development, as well as the harmonization of Ukrainian legislation with EU law is analyzed. It is established that the issue of integrating economic and legal instruments remains insufficiently developed. The main problems identified include fragmentation of the regulatory framework, inconsistency of instruments, institutional weaknesses, lack of modern approaches to ecosystem services assessment, and insufficient control mechanisms.

Special attention is paid to the imbalance between economic interests and environmental priorities. It is emphasized that management practices are often oriented toward short-term benefits, leading to the depletion of natural potential. The need to integrate environmental constraints and sustainable development principles into regional planning is substantiated.

The essence of economic and legal regulation as complementary components is revealed. Economic regulation includes taxes, investments, incentives, and sanctions, while legal regulation encompasses a system of norms and restrictions. It is proven that their effectiveness is possible only through coherence.

The importance of improving institutional support, clarifying the distribution of powers, strengthening the role of communities, and developing public-private partnerships is substantiated. Key directions for improvement include the harmonization of legislation with EU law, the implementation of sustainable development standards, modern approaches to ecosystem services assessment, and monitoring systems.

It is emphasized that the implementation of these measures will enhance investment attractiveness, reduce anthropogenic pressure, and preserve the natural uniqueness of the Ukrainian Carpathians. It is concluded that improving economic and legal regulation is a key condition for sustainable regional development, increasing competitiveness, and integration into the European space. Prospects for further research are associated with the development of comprehensive regulatory models and the introduction of innovative tools to ensure sustainable natural resource use.