Economic and social dimensions of ecological conflicts: root causes, risks, prevention and mitigation measures

Abstract

An effective management system of natural resources use and the implementation of the principles of sustainable development requires, above all, the improvement of the concepts of environmental services and their more effective use. The scarcity of natural resources, their uneven distribution, and unequal access, as well as unfavourable economic, social and cultural-historical factors often underlie ecological conflicts. A critical analysis of the economic, environmental and social contradictions in society as well as of the main theoretical and methodological aspects of ecological conflicts helps to determine the importance of ecological and economic security needs. This paper reveals the need for market agents to develop a consolidated approach to the prevention and resolution of ecological conflicts.