The legal mechanism for environmental protection in Ukraine

Purpose. To study the aspects of implementing the legal mechanism of environmental protection (LMEP) and the requirements for it. To propose a definition of the “LMEP” concept. To develop recommendations for improving the legal mechanism, propose measures for its implementation and determine its main components. Methodology. The study uses general and special methods of cognition: comparative analysis – to establish LMEP indicators; critical analysis – for formation of requirements for LMEP and its definition; abstract-logical analysis – to determine the need for strategic dynamic approach to the implementation of LMEP; induction and deduction – to offer tool of “feedback” between the implementation of legal norms, and the effectiveness of their practical implementation; logical abstraction - for development of recommendations improving LMEP, measures for its implementation, its components, and the codification of environmental legal provisions. Findings. The requirements for the LMEP implementation are specified. Indicators for evaluating the LMEP effectiveness are proposed. “Feedback” tool between the implementation of environmental and legal norms and the effectiveness of their practical implementation and mechanism for the gradual adaptation of these norms are proposed. The definition of the concept “legal mechanism of environmental protection” is proposed. The absence of systematic approach and the insufficiency of analytical work at the stage of preparation of normative legal acts and after their adoption are pointed out. Specific ways of solving this problem are proposed. In order to prevent offenses, the need to increase the role of administrative justice in environmental protection cases and to expand the application of administrative law for this purpose is indicated. Originality. The necessity of forming a strategic dynamic approach to the implementation of LMEP and adjusting the adoption of its stages in view of the effectiveness of tools for the development of legal and environmental awareness of citizens is indicated. Practical value. The proposed regulatory clarification of the concept of “significant damage” will strengthen compliance with the principle of matching the violation with the punishment.