Sustainable development policy for post-conflict recovery in Ukraine: the role of environmental indicators in decision-making

Abstract

This study explores the role of environmental indicators in guiding managerial decision-making for the sustainable recovery of de-occupied territories in Ukraine. The research is grounded in a large-scale survey conducted across 42 territorial communities in southern Ukraine that experienced severe destruction due to the full-scale invasion. The methodological framework is based on sociological data from over 16,000 residents, used to calculate five key environmental indicators: Technogenic Pollution from Military Activity (TPMA), Degradation of Natural Ecosystems (DNES), Infrastructure and Household War Impacts (IHWI), Access to Natural Resources (ANR), and Biological and Public Health Protection (BPHP). The results were visualized using a heat map to identify ecological “hotspots” and prioritize zones requiring urgent intervention. Particular attention is given to the development of a structural decision-making model that illustrates the progression from problem identification to the implementation of recovery strategies at the local level. The paper proposes actionable directions for response, including environmental monitoring, land reclamation, waste management, and ecological awareness initiatives. It also discusses potential funding sources for environmental initiatives, ranging from international donor programs and national funds to public-private partnerships and innovative financial instruments. The findings offer practical value for evidence-based environmental policymaking in post-conflict settings, the formulation of localized sustainable development strategies, and the strengthening of institutional capacity at the community level.