Melnykovych M. Forming a system of socio-ecological-economic indicators for the Carpathian mountain region development

The dissertation is focused on the development of theoretical positions, scientific and methodological approaches towards the formation of a system of socio-ecological-economic indicators of the Carpathians mountains areas development in the context of ecological economics and environmental economics theory. The dissertation summarizes theoretical, methodological and practical results, conclusions and proposals on socio-ecological-economic development of the Carpathians mountain areas. In the thesis the definition of "forest-dependent community" proposed with regards to the Carpathians conditions. The conceptual matrix model for determining the level of forest-dependence has been developed taking into account the level of analysis (country, region, oblast, district, city / village, community, household, individual) and a type of forest-dependence. Based on the estimation of forest ecosystem services by forest-dependent communities, the indicators of the impact on the sustainable flows of ecosystem services for the well-being of local population and the socio-ecological and economic development of the region as a whole are identified. The methodical approach for the analysis of socio-ecological-economic development of the Carpathian region is improved on the basis of the conceptualized system of indicators for the development evaluation. In the thesis the concept of mountain forest socio-ecological system as a complex and integrated system including socio-economic (human) and ecological (biophysical - mountain forest ecosystems) sub-systems, which are in close connection and interaction, are defined. The scientific and methodical approach for the decision support process on the development of the Carpathian region is developed, taking into account the DPSIR method and the concept of ecosystem services. The proposed model of the analysis of driving forces based on the use of the DPSIR model and the flows of forest ecosystem services is a new author's methodological approach for developing adaptive and innovative responses for the development of the region. The practical significance of the results is in that the theoretical provisions of the thesis have been brought to the level of methodological developments and practical recommendations which can be used by state and local authorities to improve the strategic planning development of settlements and communities in the Carpathian mountain region.