A Complex Systems Approaches to Sustainable Waste Management: the Case of a Recreational and Tourist Region of Ukraine

Abstract

Introduction. Waste management is an important component of sustainable development of recreational and tourist regions. This determines the expediency of applying a system approach – in the context of determining the components of the waste management system, as well as information and organizational relationships between them; and an integrated approach – in view of the complexity of the object of study, namely the set of diverse economic, environmental, social and other factors mediated by waste management processes, and as a consequence, affecting the ecological status of the recreational and tourist region
 Aim and tasks. The purpose of the study is to theoretically substantiate the management of waste in the recreational and tourist region on the principles of sustainability and on the basis of complexity and system.
 Results. The article reveals the theoretical content of the provisions based on the application of systematic and integrated approaches in waste management at the regional level, in particular in recreational and tourist regions, which require stricter environmental policies. In view of the extensive nature of the current waste management system in Ukraine, which is reflected in the constant accumulation of production and consumption waste, with minimal action on their prevention and processing, the main element of the studied system is identified as transport and logistics component. Based on the development of a systems approach, it is proved that not only no less important, but also paramount is a detailed analysis of the relationships between elements of a particular economic, and even more economic and environmental system, compared to the analysis of the elements themselves.
 Conclusions. The article substantiates that along with a set of sustainable development indicators, the calculation of which in the absence of primary information is difficult, it is necessary to implement comprehensive development systems of the region and industries, including recreation and tourism, within its territory. The problem of waste and its rational transportation in recreational and tourist regions affects a large number of other important economic, environmental, social issues that should be solved comprehensively, without artificial abstraction from each other, which in practice usually ends in significant damage, where the “boomerang” will affect to all other elements. In solving the issue of responsible waste management the focus is on interrelated multi-purpose tasks, which require the involvement of expert assistance and clear coordination of actions of all participants involved or interested in this area.

MSW Management to Zero Waste: Challenges and Perspectives in Belarus

“…Despite an advanced legislative background [66], the theoretical and methodological bases in formulation of integrated system of environmental protection and rational environmental management, including waste management, have not been completely developed in world practice yet [67,68]. Practical approaches to creating such a system include mechanisms and tools for implementation of optimal MSM policy [69,70] formed under the influence of a wide range of external and internal pressures [71,72], and vary significantly from one country to another [73,74]. Globally, the principal routes of waste management were defined at the International Conference on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg (South Africa) in 2002, including waste prevention, maximizing reuse as well as recycling and the use of alternative, environmentally friendly materials.…”