Development of recreational forest use in Ukraine: financial and economic instruments and European integration priorities

Abstract

The article examines the theoretical and practical aspects of the development of recreational forest use in Ukraine in the context of financial and economic support and European integration guidelines. It is substantiated that forest resources of Ukraine are an important component of the country’s natural resource potential and perform economic, ecological, and social functions, in particular providing conditions for recreational activities of the population. The essence of the concept of recreational forest use and its role in ensuring recreation, public health improvement, and the development of tourism and recreational activities are defined. The current state of forest resources in Ukraine, their territorial distribution, and trends in forest regeneration are analyzed. It is established that the development of recreational forest use contributes to the diversification of economic activities in forestry, the formation of new types of economic activity, the development of tourism and recreational infrastructure, and the increase of the investment attractiveness of territories. The necessity of applying a complex of financial and economic instruments is substantiated, including budget financing, investment mechanisms, public-private partnerships, tax incentives, and payments for the use of recreational forest resources. The European experience in the development of recreational forest use is studied, and the prospects for adapting the best practices of the European Union countries to the conditions of Ukraine are identified. Priority directions for the development of recreational forest use in the context of European integration processes and sustainable forest management are determined.