The article examines regional waste management policy in Ukraine under contemporary socio-economic, environmental, and security challenges. It substantiates that waste generation, accumulation, and treatment have evolved beyond a purely environmental issue and increasingly function as a determinant of regional and socio-economic security. The study analyzes national trends in waste generation, recovery, incineration, and landfilling during the period 1995–2020, taking into account significant methodological changes in official statistical reporting introduced after 2010. These changes expanded statistical coverage to include household waste and waste of lower hazard classes, which explains the sharp increase in reported volumes without indicating actual physical growth. The results demonstrate the persistent dominance of landfill disposal and a chronically low level of waste recovery, indicating structural inefficiency and limited development of waste treatment infrastructure in Ukraine. Incineration remains marginal, while energy recovery technologies are underutilized compared to European Union practices. Particular attention is paid to hazardous waste management, which is constrained by high treatment costs, technological complexity, institutional fragmentation, and risks of illegal disposal and underreporting. A regional case study of Lviv oblast covering 1995–2023 reveals spatial disparities in waste management practices and confirms the predominance of landfill disposal at the regional level. The analysis identifies the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the growth of medical and hazardous waste streams, as well as the destabilizing effects of military actions on waste generation and treatment capacities. Despite some growth in recovery volumes during specific periods, the overall structure of waste management in the region remains unbalanced. The article argues that strengthening regional waste management policy is essential for reducing long-term environmental risks. Priority measures include the application of the waste hierarchy principle, differentiated approaches to various waste categories, infrastructure modernization, and the integration of circular economy principles. It is concluded that an integrated policy framework combining institutional reforms, investment mechanisms, and increased environmental awareness can transform waste management from a source of ecological pressure into a driver of sustainable regional development in the context of post-war recovery and European integration. 

waste governance; territorial communities; circular economy; hazardous waste; landfill disposal; environmental security; post-war recovery 

The article examines the role of gender-responsive public governance in forming an inclusive economy under contemporary socio-economic transformations. It argues that integrating a gender perspective into public policy contributes to increasing its effectiveness, reducing structural imbalances, and expanding equal access to economic resources and opportunities. Gender equality is considered a key factor in enhancing economic performance through the more efficient utilization of human capital and broader participation in the labor market. The study systematizes theoretical approaches to interpreting an inclusive economy and generalizes its core principles with consideration of the gender dimension in public governance. Particular attention is paid to the evolution of gender equality research, from early philosophical concepts to its institutionalization within modern public policy frameworks and international development strategies. The analysis shows that despite significant progress, gender disparities persist, especially in leadership positions and access to decision-making processes. The article identifies key instruments of gender-responsive governance, including gender analysis and gender budgeting, as effective mechanisms for integrating gender considerations into policy design and implementation. These tools enable a more balanced allocation of public resources and improve the responsiveness of governance systems to the differentiated needs of women and men. A conceptual model of the impact of gender-responsive public governance on the development of an inclusive economy is proposed. The model reflects the interaction of regulatory, institutional, societal, and infrastructural levels, providing a comprehensive framework for understanding how gender equality principles are translated into practical socio-economic outcomes. This integrated approach allows for a more consistent implementation of inclusive development strategies. The findings demonstrate that the application of gender-responsive governance contributes to reducing gender gaps, increasing employment levels, strengthening social cohesion, and enhancing the overall resilience of the economy. The results highlight the importance of embedding gender-sensitive approaches into public governance systems as a prerequisite for achieving sustainable and inclusive economic development. The article emphasizes the need to further research practical mechanisms for implementing gender-responsive public administration in Ukraine in the context of European integration, particularly with regard to assessing the effectiveness of gender-sensitive policies at the national and regional levels. Special attention should be given to analyzing the impact of digitalization, innovative technologies, and economic recovery processes on the transformation of gender relations and the promotion of inclusive development. 

gender policy; gender equality; gender-responsive public governance; public governance; inclusive economy; gender analysis; gender-responsive budgeting 

The article proposes a thorough classification of the impact of solid waste processing on various spheres of human life, including environmental, economic, and social dimensions. It emphasizes that the traditional waste management model, which focuses primarily on disposal, is no longer sustainable in the face of growing volumes of waste and limited natural resources. Instead, the paper advocates for a transition to a resource-efficient and environmentally responsible approach based on the principles of circular economy and sustainable development. Such a shift requires not only technological modernization but also institutional, legal, and cultural transformations. Particular attention is given to the practical implementation of the concept of environmental justice, which demands that the benefits and burdens of environmental policies are distributed fairly among all population groups. The study highlights how the reuse and recycling of materials are closely linked to the country’s level of economic development and public awareness. In high-income societies, reusing materials and minimizing waste are increasingly perceived as social norms, whereas in less developed economies, these practices often depend on the availability of infrastructure and financial incentives. The article provides an overview of the key national and international legal frameworks governing waste management. It examines the distribution of competences among different levels of government in Ukraine, identifying both achievements and systemic challenges in the implementation of state policy in this field. The analysis demonstrates that effective waste management requires coordination between public authorities, private enterprises, and civil society. Drawing on international experience, the study emphasizes the growing role of public participation and social initiatives in shaping the environmental agenda. Using examples of international organizations and grassroots movements, it reveals the potential of social networks as a tool for raising awareness and encouraging waste reduction through reuse. Initiatives such as Repair Cafes or online platforms like Give and Take illustrate how community engagement can complement governmental measures aimed at modernizing the waste management system. Finally, the article proposes the development of a comprehensive strategy focused on strengthening the institutional capacity of both state and local authorities. Introducing transparent mechanisms of control and accountability in waste management would reduce environmental risks, enhance civic participation, and promote a culture of responsible consumption. Such an integrated approach aligns with European standards of sustainable development and supports Ukraine’s broader goal of integration into the European environmental policy space. 

triple bottom line, environmental justice, circular economy, eco-activity, sustainable development, European integration 

Water is a resource on which the stability and development of economies around the world depend. Due to the depletion of clean fresh water reserves experienced by most countries, there is a need to improve economic methods of water protection based on the principles of sustainable development. The article shows the value of water resources for society in terms of ensuring the production of goods and services and considers the concept of accounting for environmental costs, which allows preventing water depletion and pollution. The main goals of applying economic methods of water protection are revealed. The main economic instruments for regulating water consumption and water conservation are identified. The concept of environmental cost accounting is analyzed, which takes into account the real costs of mitigating pollution and depletion of water resources. The article reveals that economic methods take into account the long-term consequences of activities and are aimed at maintaining and developing ecosystem services, which contributes to the sustainability of water systems. The principles of determining the economic value of water and the costs associated with water supply are considered: direct and indirect costs; benefits; reliability of supply; quality. The essence of the modern approach to water resources protection is analyzed and the fact that it consists in preventing misuse and preventing pollution is proven. The author emphasizes the need to develop an effective regulatory and legal framework for this area and the need for its continuous improvement. The importance of monitoring the implementation of international agreements on the use of water bodies to which Ukraine is a party is determined. The article shows that market mechanisms designed to help allocate limited resources in the most efficient manner, minimizing losses and maximizing public welfare, do not always work properly. The article systematizes the tasks of the state in the field of water use and outlines the ways to solve them. The relationship between the rent for water resources and the consumer price index in the relevant period is traced. The peculiarities of the formation of rent for special water use and tax on discharges of pollutants into water bodies are shown. The author analyzes the peculiarities of the work of water suppliers to the population in different regions, regional tariffs, and their formation in modern conditions. 

water supply infrastructure, rent, tariffs, taxes, martial law, Ukraine 

The influence of information technologies on tourism and recreation activities is studied. The conditions of functioning of the tourist services market in modern conditions are determined. The article shows that the possibilities of the Internet have contributed to the emergence of new ways of doing business. The peculiarities of using SMM marketing for the promotion of tourist services are revealed. The specifics of the use of computer technologies in the fields of hospitality, transport services, tourist mediation, entertainment, etc. are analyzed. The creation and development of the most powerful company in online booking, Booking.com, is shown in historical retrospect. Using the example of the tire manufacturer Michelin, the article identifies how the advertising company turned from the distribution of travel guides into a highly profitable business and became the basis for the development of gastronomic tourism in its modern sense. The advantages of using information technologies for travelers and service providers are considered, including a significant expansion of search and offer possibilities, and choice, as well as significant cost savings in the payment of commissions to intermediaries, advertising, marketing, etc. Cases of abuse by travel service providers are presented. The main obstacle to the development of e-tourism is the low level of cybersecurity. The article notes that all the countries of the world, which have come under the influence of e-tourism, are working in various ways to strengthen the security of consumers. The necessity of conducting a comparative analysis of the benefits and costs of tourist activities for territories is emphasized. 

tourism marketing, electronic tourism, information technologies, social networks, cybersecurity 

The article argues that all medical waste requires a special approach as experience has shown that many substances used as safe pose a threat to human health and human life and cause irreparable damage to the environment. The expediency of reviewing certain categories of medical waste with their subsequent transfer to the category of household waste (office paper, office furniture, etc.) is specified. The need to pay more attention to waste in the cosmetics and perfume industry is emphasized as more and more pharmaceutical and chemical substances are used in this production. The article detects significant differences in some statistical indicators by year and the combination of medical and non-medical waste in one indicator, which indicates the imperfection of statistical accounting. The adequacy of medical waste management is revealed to depend on the standard of living in the country and the availability of effective public policy in this area, as well as the availability of natural resources in the required amount. The historical retrospective shows the changes in the attitude to disposable and reusable medical materials. The authors propose to use a table comparing the cost of disposal from different points of view, taking into account the necessary sanitary and hygienic requirements. The need to strengthen control over the rational use of disposable medical devices is emphasized, which in some cases makes it possible to significantly reduce the amount of waste and general medical expenses. A comparative analysis of the cost of medical waste disposal in the United States and Ukraine is conducted. The analysis shows that the United States has lower prices. Despite the rather carefully prescribed procedure for obtaining a license for activities in the field of medical waste management, the numerous abuses identified by inspections indicate the need to improve it. 

medical waste, hazardous waste, recycling, recycling plant, permit documentation, environment, healthcare 

A number of problems of ecologically safe management of soils in Ukraine are revealed. A significant decrease in capital investment and current expenditures on environmental protection and the lack of information on soil protection expenditures has been detected in recent years. The paper shows that in 2015, the forms of state statistical reporting of Ukraine were eliminated, while they contained such important land use indicators as reclamation, drainage, restoration, etc. The implementation of state plans for the development and adoption of regulatory legal acts in the land management in Ukraine was traced and the adoption of the developed bills was determined to have been proceeding very slowly. The powers of central and regional government bodies and local government bodies in the area of soil fertility preservation were analyzed. The control of the State Service of Ukraine on Geodesy, Cartography and Cadaster over changes in indicators of the qualitative state of soils is determined to be problematic due to the lack of specialized laboratories in the regional departments. The paper shows that agrochemical certification of agricultural lands is carried out at a low rate, and this, in connection with the beginning of the functioning of the land market in Ukraine, is unacceptable. The paper reveals that cartograms of the qualitative state of soils were developed for almost half of the agricultural land and are already outdated. The statistical information about the environment of Ukraine in terms of soil protection is reduced to the amount of fertilizers applied and the use of pesticides, and is relevant only for a part of enterprises that use a certain area of agricultural land. The low level of cooperation between the European Commission and the State Space Agency of Ukraine in the use of the capabilities of the Copernicus program is revealed. 

state control bodies, ecologically safe management of soils, land management, normative-legal provision