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This article is devoted to research the factors influencing countries' position to participate in negotiations and sign an international agreement on environment protection.
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The first 7 years are the most important. But is that enough? Undoubtedly, the future of our planet, the “greening” of thinking and action is very important. But should it be done this way? EU policies must not be an absolute end in itself. Staring at “mantras” - too. The future of a community of 27 different cultures, mentality, history, goes through constructive communication and cooperation.
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This research presents some concepts regarding the opportunities to develop electricity production from renewable energy sources (RES). Study notes that hydropower, wind power, solar energy as well as biomass present promising potential for electricity production in Bulgaria. It is demonstrated a necessity of full utilization of the Bulgarian natural resources as well as complete utilization of the already installed capacities in some RES power plants. Author discusses the overall potential of RES in the EU.
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This article explores the legal foundations of the EU 7th Environmental Program (7th EP) on the protection, conservation and improvement of natural resources. The paradigm of the structure of the 7th EP is defined.
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The current report aims to provide insight into the nature and main characteristics of the so-called ‘circular economy’ – an industrial system that is restorative or regenerative by intention and design, specifying its application in the economy of waste, too. First, the paper discusses the limits of the ‘linear’ economic model based on a ‘take-make-consume and dispose’ pattern, which nowadays proves unsustainable. The concept of the circular economy is described, as well as its origin and basic principles, which are a key to a more efficient use of resources and waste reduction. Next, the general direction and concrete steps that must be undertaken are outlined in order to be achieved an important progress towards the circular economy and to be met the current and future challenges of global pressure on resources and rising insecurity of supply. At the end of the report, the potential benefits of the circular economy are highlighted and barriers and challenges that it faces are examined.
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Proper management is one of key elements of the natural landscape protection strategy. Park-forests with protected and conserved natural elements represent attractive eco-tourism urban zones. Košutnjak is the most visited park-forest in Serbian capitol Belgrade, unfortunately with increasing number of degraded and devastated areas as a consequence of negative human impacts in the past. In order to conserve natural values in this popular forested city area, and to improve its tourism potential, we found that in achieving that goal, it is meaningful to asses possible management practices and identify the most desired one by applying the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), scientifically sound multi-criteria decision making tool. Based on the obtained results, a recommended strategy is to renovate natural vegetation and to promote recreational and tourism offer in Košutnjak with respect of the sustainability principle.
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Unlike neighboring countries (Croatia, Bosnia, Macedonia), which are also passed through the armed conflict, the mine problem in Serbia, at least as far as risk is somewhat differ manifested, structured and manifestly expressed. While the first group of countries, mainly facing minefields remnants of the Civil War, Serbia, on the contrary, in addition to this problem, faces a threatening phenomenon related to sophisticated unexploded ordnance left behind after the NATO aggression. It is these mines, bombs and missiles, and after 20/10 years are not only risk, but also a great security, social, economic and environmental problem that cannot be delayed. This specific position of Serbia in relation to the mine threat in neighboring countries, the result is a contemporary strategic view which is applied through the concept and model ‘Joint Vision 2010’ the plan of military operations demonstrated during the NATO aggression. Application of the above strategic model, aimed at ensuring dominance in a wide range of effects, included the use not only of dominant maneuver, but also sophisticated modern ordnance many of which are first applied in wartime. During the aggression, NATO forces are using the latest generation of ordnance, which is the territory of Serbia, and especially its southern part, turned into a one-off experimental ground to test the accuracy and the effects on the pre-selected moving and stationary targets. Therefore, the problems in detecting, locating and mine clearance above ordnance far more complex and risky because they require a high level of expertise with a big financial commitment, but that’s just a classic minefields.
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The article is devoted to the changes occurred in politics and international relations in the Middle East due to the discovery of a new large gasfield “Leviathan”. The author analyzes opportunities and perspectives for the countries interested in its development, and also points out possible challenges to their security. The analysis focuses on Israel, Lebanon, the Turkish and Greek parts of Cyprus, the aspects of their domestic and foreign policies, especially the issue of their maritime boundaries and energy sector. The author reveals prospects and dangers of the current situation and sums up the main interests of the Russian Federation in the region and the aspects that are to be considered when reaching the set goals.
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In the scientific article the main problems that hinder properly protect environmental rights in court are considered: the presence of an exhaustive list of grounds for appeal to the courts environmental organizations, that are limited according to international standards. Another problem relates to the legal ignorance of citizens on how to protect environmental rights and their irrational use, abuse of the law in some cases. Prevents the realization of environmental rights the interests of others, improper investigation of the case by the court. Another aspect that prevents qualitative access to justice is ignorance of citizens in the proper formulation of the claim, thus the courts make decisions not in favor of those whose environmental rights violated or denied the opening of the proceedings. It is advisable to enable citizens to apply for legal aid centers providing primary legal aid from the state budget (for lawyers providing explanations, advice, preparation of legal documents), as the environment and citizens’ rights – a line of action in which the first all Ukraine state concerned. The issue of environmental protection of human rights,the preservation and restoration of natural resources on the principles of sustainable (environmentally sustainable) Nature should be regarded as one of the priorities and an important precondition for the European integration of Ukraine. Thus, environmental rights, and above all the constitutionally enshrined right to safe living environment and health must defend. After all, the quality and duration of life depend on Ukrainian Ecology.
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There were analyzed and disclosed the contents of the legal concepts of «emergence of groundwater», «water object», the definition of the legal concept of «water source», set the location of water sources among other water bodies of the water Fund of Ukraine, analyzed the status of the water source as a source of drinking water. Also there were identified and investigated problems of legal regulation of usage of water sources, in particular, identified the problematic issues of regulation of general and special use of water sources.
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This paper aims to analyze the state of flood protection in the Republic of Bulgaria and to identify weaknesses in the legislative framework and its implementation, in order to improve and optimize flood risk management and prevent them through preventive action. The definition and general information about the concept of „flood”, its characteristics and possible classifications are considered. The responsible bodies and persons in the implementation of flood protection and their obligations are considered. The organizational elements are explained and their interconnectedness is demonstrated. Summarized conclusions, recommendations were made and an idea was proposed to improve the coordination between the responsible authorities and legal entities and individuals.
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This paper reviews Horizon 2020 Program of the EU in light of the proposed European Energy Union in 2015. Authors discuss briefly Horizon 2020 program and in a greater detail the inter-relation between the Horizon 2020 priorities and the Energy Union. The focus in on different aspects pertaining to the energy efficiency, competitiveness, low-carbon energy, coherence in the EU energy systems, renewables, innovation and research as well as socio-economic aspects. In conclusion, authors note that the presented framework for the establishment of the Energy Union in the EU reaffirms its commitment to sustainable development, energy security and competitiveness. This is being achieved through expected proactive participation from the scientific community and technological innovators. Horizon 2020 is an instrument that will assist in achieving the strategic goals for sustainable energy through financing measures and initiatives aimed at energy efficiency and low-carbon energy. Horizon 2020 program foresees cooperation with nationally financed initiatives or private sector participants aimed at enhancing the energy technologies as well as achieving high level of efficacy.
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The objective of the research is to present the importance of the characteristics of conventional energy sources electricity generation in Bulgaria. The research methods used in the study involve elements of retrospective analysis, induction and deduction, analysis and synthesis, comparative and content analysis, table presentation and generalization of the main ideas of key strategic and regulatory documents in the energy policy area. This is a conceptual study and a posteriori research approach has been followed for its development. The thesis of the research is that electricity generation from conventional energy sources still dominates the energy sector in Bulgaria. Coal is of high importance for the security of the country with electricity. Bulgaria has enough installed and functioning powers for coal processing, which is the main reason for the highest share of this energy sources in the total electricity generation in Bulgaria. The results of the research represent generalizations and analyses on the stable interest in conventional electricity generation in Bulgaria. The results of the research provide ground for evidence-based recommendations and decisions on the future policy measures in the energy sector and their implementation in Bulgaria. The conclusion of the research is that the interest in conventional energetics is big and the biggest share of electricity generated in Bulgaria comes from coal notwithstanding its’ negative environmental impacts and the consciousness of the fact that raw materials will be depleted in the long run. The general production of electricity in Bulgaria in 2017 has been increased in comparison with 1990 as a result of the new powers installed for generating electricity from renewable energy sources. Electricity generation from coal and atomic energy remain nearly unchanged in 2017 compared to 1990, while electricity derived from natural gas has reduced and the electricity generated by renewable energy sources registers several times bigger increases for the same period. Energy efficiency measures undertaken in Bulgarian industry and households in the last 2 decades, the clear trend to turning the national economy structure towards less energy consuming sectors (such as the service sector which forms an ever growing share of the national GDP in the recent years) and the overall decrease of the population in Bulgaria is a clear evidence of the export potential of the country in terms of electricity exports. Yet both the European and world electricity markets however do not render a considerable account for the resource from which energy has been generated (e.g. "green" or "brown" energy).
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The paper covers presentation of ways of international cooperation of Danube region on the territory of Republic of Serbia and its spatial integration levels of the immediate and wider environment (cross-border or trans-border aspect of cooperation, transnational cooperation and interregional cooperation). Danube region is space with the most active current integration processes, which take place under the initiative of the European Union and the definition of European instruments supporting cooperation of states along the Danube River flow, as well as more specific territorial entities that are directly related to the river. In addition to European strategies and programs, the cooperation includes cross-border cooperation activities of Serbia based on resolving socio-economic problems, issues related to infrastructure, environmental protection and other areas of cooperation that include spaces Euroregional Association. The grounds for the implementation of planned measures for further Danube region development also include functional connections on regional and local level within the territory of the Republic of Serbia.
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The present study focuses on the disclosure practices of the companies’ environmental impact in their sustainability reports. Based on various studies of companies’ sustainability reports, the study aims to follow how the disclosure practices change and which principles and approaches influence and stimulate the development of such disclosure. Different formats for disclosure are being considered, with more attention being paid to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) as the most commonly used format. The goal is to highlight the positive aspects of disclosure of sustainability information, as well as to be presented some shortcomings in the reporting formats and the impact they have on the company performance. A sustainability spectrum model is presented, exploring the stages of sustainability that companies reach when providing sustainability information. The study also includes a practical example for a sustainability reporting by an automotive company.
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Theoretical and practical approaches to the formation of land market in Ukraine are considered in the article. The views of scientists and practitioners on the problem of creating land market are summarized. It has been proven that land market is vital for agriculture and rural residents. It allows using land as collateral for agricultural enterprises. It is a source of income for farmers and allows land to move to a more efficient owner.It is investigated that during the transformations in the agricultural sector of Ukraine, the state monopoly on land was abolished, agricultural enterprises were privatized, new market structures were created,that is preconditions were created for the introduction of market land turnover and formation of the secondary market of agricultural land. Today it is obvious that further regulation of land relations is needed to ensure effective development of newly created economic agricultural formations. The lack of a real market for agricultural land hinders their efficient distribution and restrains long-term investment in land and agriculture in general.The history of reforming land relations of foreign countries is analyzed and systematized. Peculiarities of land markets formation and organization of lease land relations in the countries of the world are shown. It is studied that the state regulation of the agricultural land market of the EU member states is aimed at preserving land, preventing excessive concentration or fragmentation of land, sale of land primarily to farmers who have experience in agricultural production and live in the area. The issue of the land market is especially acute for countries with economies in transition, including Ukraine. Of particular note is the lease of agricultural land,which is the main form of land relations in many countries. The need to apply positive foreign experience in creating a market for agricultural land in Ukraine is indicated.
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The article studies the historical origins and prospects for the development of economic and legal regulation of sustainable use of natural resources and environmental protection. It is substantiated that the development of the economic and legal mechanism of natural resource management and environmental protection is integral to the formation of the legal doctrine of environmental law and result from the objective factors of socio-economic and political development of our state. Its essence and purpose as a part of the general ecological and legal mechanism of the regulation of public relations and the factor that implements the state ecological policy on the way to sustainable development are analysed.
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The article reviews the rise of the "green" ideology and movement of the ecologism. There were defined its theoretical and political origins, and noted different factions among the "greens". The author explained the practical impact of "green" organizations to improve environmental practices. There was revealed the essence of the environmental criticism from leftist and rightist opponents. There was analyzed the ground of deployment of "green" movement in the Soviet Union and its political and non-economical aspects.
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The paper analysis the contents of Geography textbooks which refer to the problems of the protection of the environment. The last publications of Geography textbooks for primary and secondary schools of the Zavod za udžbenike i nastavna sredstva (Belgrade) were used as a sample. With this study we wanted to check at what extent the contents of the environmental protection are present in the contemporary Geography textbooks and how much they contribute to the formation of the system of ecologic knowledge and ecologic conscience of students with their structure. The analysis has showed that the problems of the environmental protection in the analyzed textbooks are not present enough, that they are mostly covered in integrative way, sporadically and declaratively. Undefined ecologic concepts are twice as much presented as defined. The explanations of notions are more often supported by examples than by factographic data, although the number of examples is insufficient. Especially, the examples from close surroundings are missing. With their structure, the present contents do not provide knowledge on numerous problems on the protection of the environment and they do not influence the development of ecologic attitudes, emotions and habits in students. Practical implications of the study are shown in the way that the results and conclusions can stimulate the authors of textbooks to change the approach in planning the contents of the future Geography textbooks...
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