Strategy of sustainable land use in agriculture: principles, challenges, innovative measures and ways of implementation

Abstract

Objective. To identify and substantiate fundamental principles, analyze the main obstacles, and propose strategic directions and tools for overcoming challenges on the path to sustainable land use in agriculture. Results. The paper substantiates that the strategy for the formation of sustainable land use in agriculture in Ukraine is determined by the critical need to harmonize economic, social and environmental aspects of agricultural production. The strategy for the formation of sustainable land use should be based on the principles: priority of land protection, rational use and reproduction of resources, environmental safety, comprehensiveness, scientific justification. It is determined that the strategy for the formation of sustainable land use is implemented through a set of interrelated measures and ways aimed at ensuring economic efficiency, social justice and environmental safety of the use of land resources. Measures for the implementation of the sustainable land use strategy are proposed and substantiated: greening of agricultural production, preservation and expansion of land use rights, development of rural infrastructure and social services, stimulation of income diversification, adaptation to climate change; monitoring and control of land use. The need is proven: improvement of land legislation and state policy to create favorable conditions for sustainable land use; introduction of financial incentives for farmers who apply sustainable practices; implementation of scientific research results and innovative technologies into land use practice; public involvement in planning and decision-making processes regarding the use of land resources. The main challenges on the path to sustainable land use in Ukrainian agriculture are divided into key groups covering the consequences of full-scale invasion, environmental problems, and socio-economic factors. Conclusions. The strategy for the formation of sustainable land use is a critical prerequisite for ensuring long-term food security, preserving Ukraine's natural capital, and integrating its agricultural sector into the European system of values. The current model of land use is exhausting and unsustainable in the face of modern challenges, in particular climate change and soil degradation. An effective strategy for sustainable land use in agriculture should be based on a balanced combination of environmental, economic, and social principles. Ignoring any of them makes it impossible to achieve true sustainability. The fundamental principle is recognized as the priority of measures to restore and preserve soil fertility over the maximization of short-term profit. The strategy for the formation of sustainable land use in Ukrainian agriculture is implemented through a complex of interrelated measures and ways. No single tool will produce the desired effect without accompanying changes in the legal and economic spheres. The implementation of sustainable practices increases the competitiveness of agricultural enterprises in domestic and global markets and helps attract investment. The success of implementing a sustainable land use strategy in agriculture largely depends on the level of awareness and willingness to cooperate between all stakeholders: the state, farmers, scientists and local communities. A sustainable development strategy is not just desirable, but critically necessary to ensure the viability, stability and future of the Ukrainian agricultural sector in the face of modern challenges.