On issues of methodology of forming environmental policy in Ukraine

Abstract

Ensuring environmental safety and maintaining ecological balance in Ukraine is a constitutional duty of the state. Therefore, the formed paradigm of considering the problems of nature protection in Ukraine is oriented towards expanding the scope of application of state regulation methods. The methodological basis of the current approach to the formation of environmental policy is a collectivist system of values and epistemological confidence in the possibility of ensuring its effectiveness and efficiency. The article shows that the basis of the so-called “failures” of the state lies precisely in the epistemological factor: the state apparatus is inherently unable to master the volume of relevant information that is necessary for making long-term correct decisions. The purpose of the article is to consider non-state mechanisms for solving the problems of rational use of natural resources and nature protection. In contrast to the current approach, possible ways of solving these problems through the disclosure of market potential are considered. In particular, the reduction of negative external economic effects and information asymmetry in a free market is achieved by improving the institution of private property and opening up opportunities for competitive pricing. Freedom to express private initiative contributes to the implementation of private environmental projects. Competition is an external factor that forces the owner of natural resources to use them effectively. The interest of the owner of natural resources in increasing their value contributes to their preservation and rational use. The current aggravation of the problem of preserving natural soil fertility in Ukraine is considered a natural result of farming mainly on leased lands. The article also highlights the problem of increasing environmental risks due to the tendency to concentrate land ownership and land use in Ukraine. It is emphasized that when searching for ways to solve environmental problems, it is necessary to first consider all alternative options based on the market mechanism or the possibility of transferring their solution to the regional or local community level.