PRESERVATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE IN UKRAINE IN THE CONTEXT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: LEGAL ASPECTS

Abstract

The article is devoted to a comprehensive analysis of the role of national cultural heritage as a strategic resource for Ukraine’s sustainable development in the context of martial law and future post-war reconstruction. The transformative role of cultural heritage in shaping a model of national resilience in the context of contemporary challenges and prospects for Ukraine is considered. It substantiates the conceptual transition from the paternalistic paradigm of cultural heritage preservation to its interpretation as a strategic resource for national resilience, combining legal, sociocultural, and economic dimensions. It is noted that the legal protection of cultural heritage objects is an instrument for affirming national identity, protecting historical memory, and cultural sovereignty. It is emphasized that cultural heritage is the foundation for the formation and reproduction of national identity, especially in the context of globalization challenges and external aggression. The legal basis for heritage preservation, including national regulatory acts and key international legal documents, has been analyzed, and their potential and gaps in the context of ensuring national sustainability have been identified. Particular attention is paid to digitization as an innovative tool for preserving, promoting, and protecting cultural values. It is argued that improving the legal regulation of the digitization of cultural heritage is a necessary prerequisite for its integration into Ukraine’s sustainable development system. The conclusions formulate the following strategic directions for Ukraine: the need to develop targeted legislation on heritage restoration in the post-conflict period; the creation of an effective interagency coordinating body; active involvement of public-private partnership mechanisms; mandatory consideration of cultural heritage issues in environmental impact assessment and urban planning procedures. It is summarized that it is the integration of strong state policy, scientific potential, and civic initiative that will transform cultural heritage from an object of protection into an innovative platform for building a sustainable and dignified Ukraine of the future.