The Sustainable Use of Natural Resources in Rural Areas of Ukraine: The Governance Challenge

This article describes the evolution of the regulatory framework for sustainable development in Ukraine based on ratified international treaties and supports the formation of an appropriate legal framework and State policy. The formation of regulatory mechanisms for sustainable developmental goals in Ukraine are aimed at strengthening and ensuring the fair implementation of the citizen’ rights as guaranteed by the Constitution of Ukraine. It also relates to the property rights of the Ukrainian people to land, its bowels, atmospheric air, water and other natural resources within the territory, the natural resources of the continental shelf and the exclusive (marine) economic zone, if the rural areas exist in coastal zones. Since the local officials play a key role in implementing sustainable practices in forestry, fisheries, water management, agriculture and tourism, they can execute capacity building, address the needs of various sectors, promote locally produced sustainable produce, implement incentive schemes, and enforce the regulations and management practices. They can also promote and propagate the economic benefits from the conserved resources to rural constituencies. The local governments can also better manage and mitigate the disasters through maintaining and restoring the ecosystems.