OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVING ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND GOVERNANCE BASED ON THE CONCEPT OF BEST AVAILABLE TECHNIQUES

Abstract

Relevance. The relevance of the topic is caused by the deteriorating triple environmental crisis, to mitigate the manifestations of which it is necessary to enhance resource efficiency, reduce negative environmental impacts and greenhouse gases emissions, while not reducing food production. Goal. Analysis of ways to improve approaches to environmentally sound governance using the concept of Best Available Techniques (BAT). The problems are analysed on the example of the food industry — intensive poultry rearing and milk production. Methodology. General scientific research methods were used to prepare the article. The information basis of the study was formed by the materials of the Russian BAT Bureau and of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development entitled "Best Available Techniques around the World", in which the authors of the article participated. The results of the study are visualised in the tabular and graphical forms. Results and conclusions. The assessment of opportunities for improving the resource efficiency and environmental performance of industries while reducing negative environmental impacts at the regional level was carried out applying BAT principles. A comparative analysis of the BAT-associated resource consumption and emissions levels established in the European Union, the Russian Federation and the Republic of India is performed. It is emphasised that the improvement of environmental and energy management systems can simultaneously improve resource efficiency and reduce negative environmental impacts. Examples of best practices described in European and Russian BAT Reference Documents are provided. Recommendations are formulated for improving environmentally oriented governance in relation to the development of intensive poultry rearing and milk production in the Republic of India and the BRICS countries, using European and Russian experience.