Document Type
Thesis
Date of Award
Spring 5-31-2002
Degree Name
Master of Science in Environmental Policy Studies - (M.S.)
Department
Humanities and Social Sciences
First Advisor
Eric M. Katz
Second Advisor
John Opie
Third Advisor
Ernest Partridge
Abstract
Agricultural land privatization is an important environmental and economic policy within Ukraine, which is transitioning to a market-based economy. This thesis studied the influence of bioregional environmental history and environmental ethics on land privatization in Western Ukraine, within Lviv oblast, through historical research and field research of private farmers.
Historical research showed that due to its environmental history, the study area was particularly receptive to land privatization after Ukraine's independence in 1991. Field research indicated that farmers in the study area generally see private ownership of land as better for humans and the environment than collective land ownership. The farmers also displayed attitudes towards the land consistent with traditional Ukrainian ethical attitudes toward nature. Other findings were generally high levels of environmental awareness among private farmers in the study area, support for more-widespread organic farming, and the existence of regional government education policies which. strive to encourage sustainable farming techniques.
Recommended Citation
Wowk, Andrew B., "Agricultural land reform policy in western Ukraine : the influence of environmental history and ethics" (2002). Theses. 700.
https://digitalcommons.njit.edu/theses/700
