Local environmental protection in Hungary: A research hypothesis

Abstract

The following essay is an introductory study of the research “The Roles and Instruments of Local Governments in the Realization of Ecological Sustainability” – a primarily legal research, also involving social and political sciences, supported by Hungary’s National Research, Development and Innovation Office (NKFIH).

The research heavily draws upon the assumption that Hungarian local governments have in-depth knowledge about environmental protection even though there is not any comprehensive analysis backing this argument. Our project then – as its main contribution – hopes to fill this knowledge gap about the degree and depth of local governments’ knowledge considering environmental protection. However, it should be noted that only the legal interpretation of this topic is not enough, therefore – according to our research plan – in order to realize the before mentioned goal, mixed (both legal and empirical) research methods will be used at the same time. For instance, beside classic legal methods as legislative analysis, questionnaire research among 300 local governments, different focus group interviews, and – in order to have a really deep impression of the topic – fieldwork among 10-15 local governments will be carried out.

Accordingly, the essay’s goal is to present both the above-mentioned research’s basic assumptions and expected results. However, it should be noted, that because of the project’s legal nature this research cannot be exhaustive in every detail.

Our opinion is that the local level plays an indispensable role in realizing ecological sustainability, although it is not the only factor (and is neither the primary one) in doing so. The reasons for this are that, first, environmental protection is considered to be a local affair and, second, that local governments possess several legal and non-legal tools to provide this duty. Notwithstanding, if local governments bear too many responsibilities and unnecessarily extended authorities, they will be unable to properly perform their duties, resulting in ineffective environmental law and policies (as several problems will not be approached on the local level). On the other hand, if the local governments receive a too limited set of responsibilities and authorities, their self-governance rights will be curtailed, with, eventually, the same result. The solution is to find a balance which – considering the ever-changing possibilities and challenges – cannot be a static, but rather a dynamic one. Therefore, according to the research’s assumptions, several changes (e.g. institutional, structural) must be performed to support environmental sustainability. Considering that the demands, interests, and expectations of local communities cannot be neglected, aspects and actions of various actors also should be taken into account.