ORGANIZED ENVIRONMENTAL CRIME AND WAR CRIMES AGAINST THE ENVIRONMENT: CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES AND LEGAL RESPONSE MECHANISMS

Abstract

Objective. The study aims to analyze organized environmental crime and war crimes against the environment, identify major threats to environmental security, assess the effectiveness of legal countermeasures, and justify the need for legislative improvements. Methods. General scientific and specialized legal methods were used: analysis and synthesis – to identify threats; comparative legal method – to examine international experience; statistical analysis – to assess crime trends; criminological method – to study the mechanisms of organized groups operating in the field of natural resource use. Results. It has been established that organized environmental crime adapts to legislative changes and utilizes corruption mechanisms. Illegal logging leads to ecosystem degradation and climate change. The study of international experience confirmed the effectiveness of control mechanisms for the origin of natural resources, particularly the Lacey Act (USA) and EU Regulation No. 995/2010. War crimes against the environment resulting from Russia’s armed aggression include ecosystem destruction, landmining, and water and air pollution. The most severe environmental damage was caused by the destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant. The study proposes legislative harmonization, the implementation of the concept of “ecocide” in international law, and the strengthening of anti-corruption measures. Conclusions. Environmental crime poses a threat to global security. The war in Ukraine has highlighted the need to improve international mechanisms for holding perpetrators accountable for ecocide. The further effectiveness of countermeasures will depend on legal harmonization, stricter criminal liability, enhanced international cooperation, and environmental rehabilitation mechanisms.