Maruniak, Eu. O., Heiland, S., Aylikova, et. al. Landscape and Spatial Planning in Ukraine: Perception and Implementation

Ukr. geogr. z. 2026, (2): 3–12
Date of submission: 

19.05.2026

Date of acceptance: 

26.06.2026

Date of approval for printing: 

23.07.2026

Ukrainian Geographical Journal 2026 (2) | Український географічний журнал 2026 (2)
Language of publication: 
Ukrainian
Full text: 
PDF icon UGJ_2026_2_1561-4980_1_1.pdf
Authors: 

Maruniak, Eu. O.1 
Heiland, S.2  
Aylikova, G. V.3 
Arndt, S.2 
Zaliubovska, O. V.4 
Kryshtop, T. V.5
Lisovskyi, S. A.1 
Palekha, Yu. M.3 
Peresadko, V. A.4 
Farion, Yu. M.1 
Chekhniy V. M.1  

1 Institute of Geography of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv
2 Technical University of Berlin, Berlin
3 Kyiv National University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Kyiv
4 V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Kharki
5 LLC “Ukrainian Scientific and Design Institute of Civil Engineering,” Sofiivska Borshchahivka
 
  The article is published under open access conditions under the CC BY-NC-ND license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ 
 
 
 
Abstract: 
This article analyzes the current state and prospects of implementing landscape planning and strategic environmental assessment in Ukraine. It examines the relevance of greening the planning process in the context of European integration and the “European Green Deal” strategy. The paper notes that despite the emergence of the necessary legislative framework after 2014, the practical implementation of environmental principles faces significant barriers. The main research methods were SWOT analysis and a survey of two target groups: planning experts and students in relevant fields. 
The results of the expert survey confirmed unanimous support for the integration of the environmental component, although its actual level in documentation is assessed as predominantly low. The authors identify the acute shortage of qualified personnel, limited financial resources of local communities, and a lack of up-to-date monitoring data as key obstacles. The analysis showed that environmental aspects are better integrated at the regional level, whereas at the local level they are often treated as a formality. A survey of students revealed general awareness of the concept of sustainable development, yet demonstrated gaps in understanding specific environmental assessment procedures. Respondents view professional education in environmental planning as a vital tool for post-war reconstruction and Ukraine’s accession to the EU. The authors emphasize the urgent need to update curricula for architects, environmentalists, and geographers. Looking ahead, they propose the introduction of a standalone interdisciplinary program in “Environmental Planning,” which will facilitate the successful transformation of spatial planning processes in Ukraine and bring them into line with European standards.This article analyzes the current state and prospects of implementing landscape planning and strategic environmental assessment in Ukraine. It examines the relevance of greening the planning process in the context of European integration and the “European Green Deal” strategy. The paper notes that despite the emergence of the necessary legislative framework after 2014, the practical implementation of environmental principles faces significant barriers. The main research methods were SWOT analysis and a survey of two target groups: planning experts and students in relevant fields. 
The results of the expert survey confirmed unanimous support for the integration of the environmental component, although its actual level in documentation is assessed as predominantly low. The authors identify the acute shortage of qualified personnel, limited financial resources of local communities, and a lack of up-to-date monitoring data as key obstacles. The analysis showed that environmental aspects are better integrated at the regional level, whereas at the local level they are often treated as a formality. A survey of students revealed general awareness of the concept of sustainable development, yet demonstrated gaps in understanding specific environmental assessment procedures. Respondents view professional education in environmental planning as a vital tool for post-war reconstruction and Ukraine’s accession to the EU. The authors emphasize the urgent need to update curricula for architects, environmentalists, and geographers. Looking ahead, they propose the introduction of a standalone interdisciplinary program in “Environmental Planning,” which will facilitate the successful transformation of spatial planning processes in Ukraine and bring them into line with European standards.
Key words: 
landscape planning, spatial planning, trategic environmental assessment, educational programs, Ukraine
Pages: 
003-012
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DOI: 
https://doi.org/10.15407/ugz2026.02.003