INTRODUCTION OF AN INFORMATION AND ANALYTICAL SYSTEM FOR MONITORING ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY IN UKRAINE

Abstract

The article explores the theoretical, methodological, and applied aspects of implementing an information and analytical system for monitoring environmental safety in Ukraine, considering modern environmental challenges, the digital transformation of public administration, and European integration processes. The relevance of the topic is attributable to the growth of anthropogenic load on the environment, the consequences of military operations, the need for an operational response to environmental threats and the need to form a single information space for making management decisions in the field of environmental protection. The paper analyses the essence of environmental safety as a multidimensional category, which is considered within the framework of various scientific approaches: as the state of environmental and population protection, as a component of national security, as an object of public administration, as a risk-oriented system and as an element of the concept of sustainable development. It is substantiated that a systemic-risk-oriented approach is the most appropriate, as it allows for the complexity of environmental threats and the need to predict them to be taken into account. This paper analyses the current state of Ukraine's environmental safety monitoring system, which is characterised by a multi-level but fragmented structure, the distribution of functions between various state bodies, an insufficient level of digitalisation, and the absence of a single integrated information platform. The main problems with how the system functions have been identified. These include duplication of monitoring entity functions, an outdated material and technical base, limited automation of data collection and processing, insufficient interdepartmental coordination and a weak level of environmental risk forecasting. Particular attention is given to analysing international and European experience, especially the operation of the Eionet and Copernicus systems, and national environmental monitoring platforms in EU countries, the USA and Canada. The leading trend identified is the integration of data from various sources, the use of geoinformation technologies, satellite monitoring, big data and artificial intelligence, and ensuring open access to environmental information. A conceptual model of an information and analytical system for monitoring environmental safety has been developed. This model provides a multi-level structure, covering everything from primary data collection to analytical processing, forecasting, and management decision support. The proposed model focuses on integration with European standards, particularly INSPIRE and Copernicus, while taking into account the needs of state authorities at different levels. A SWOT analysis has been conducted to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the national monitoring system, as well as the opportunities and threats to its development. Proposals have been formulated to improve regulatory support. In particular, there is a need to adopt a special law on a unified information and analytical system for environmental safety, to unify data standards, and to implement the principles of openness of environmental information. The study proves that implementing a unified information and analytical system for monitoring environmental safety would increase the efficiency of public administration, enable environmental risks to be identified promptly, improve the quality of management decisions, make environmental policy more transparent and ensure Ukraine's sustainable development in accordance with European standards.