Law. Human. Environment

This Article is devoted to analysis of buffer zones as the structural elements of the national ecological network of Ukraine. This article is intended to establish judicial characteristics of buffer zones of the ecological network and define their functional characteristics in the structural construction of the ecological network as the single protected territorial system. The place of buffer zones and their relationship with the other structural elements of the national ecological network have been determined. Buffer zones perform a protective function regarding the key and connecting territories of the ecological network and play a system building role in the structural construction of the ecological network. It has been justified that buffer zones are a protective tool that allows achieving the goals of preserving valuable species of flora and fauna, unique natural landscapes and protecting eco corridors.

ecological network, buffer zones, environmental protection system, environmental legislation