REGIONAL DIMENSION OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: ASSESSING THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMPONENT THROUGH THE CASE OF IVANO-FRANKIVSK OBLAST
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15330/apred.1.22.297-312Keywords:
sustainable regional development, regional dimension, environmental component, ecological modernization, Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast, green economy, decarbonization, circular economy, eco-innovationAbstract
This study examines the regional dimension of sustainable development by assessing the environmental component, using Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast as a case study. It is substantiated that the environmental dimension of regional sustainable development cannot be considered in isolation, as it is intrinsically linked to the region's economic structure, population quality of life, innovation capacity, energy security, investment potential, and the effectiveness of regional governance. The aim of the study is to evaluate key trends in the environmental development of Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast and identify priority directions for its environmental modernisation in the context of the transition to a green economy model.
The study employed a combination of systematic, statistical, comparative, and indicator-based methods, complemented by content analysis of strategic documents and conceptual modeling. The analysis focused on trends in pollutant emissions from stationary sources, waste generation and management, water resource use, environmental protection expenditures, capital investments, and research and development (R&D) expenditures. The findings indicate that, despite a gradual decline in certain indicators of environmental pressure, Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast remains significantly dependent on the energy sector and requires comprehensive modernization of its environmental protection infrastructure. Positive developments include increased expenditures on research and development and higher overall spending on environmental protection. However, fluctuations in capital investment constrain the long-term effectiveness of regional environmental policy. A conceptual model for the ecological modernization of Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast is proposed, encompassing decarbonization, energy efficiency, the development of a circular economy, water security, natural capital conservation, sustainable tourism, eco-innovation, and green financing. The findings demonstrate that ecological modernization should be regarded not only as a mechanism for mitigating adverse environmental impacts but also as a strategic driver of regional economic growth, enhanced competitiveness, and greater community resilience.
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