ARTICLE TITLE. ANALYSIS OF THEORETICAL SCIENTIFIC DEVELOPMENTS IN DEFINING THE BOUNDARIES OF CULTURAL HERITAGE PROTECTION ZONES

The legal protection of cultural heritage has a deep-rooted national tradition and is part of a broader global issue, reflected in international legal frameworks. However, for effective cultural heritage preservation, each state must adopt the best global practices while considering its own historical conditions and traditions. In Ukraine, cultural heritage sites face threats such as neglect, destruction, and unauthorized sale due to inadequate legal enforcement and insufficient urban planning regulations. Therefore, strengthening control measures and implementing international heritage conservation standards is essential. The study examines theoretical and practical aspects of defining the boundaries of cultural heritage protection zones in Ukraine, comparing them with best practices in Germany and Slovenia. The paper highlights key urban planning and legal challenges, emphasizing the importance of integrating cultural heritage conservation into urban development policies. In particular, the research focuses on defining zoning regulations for heritage sites and how these zones should be delineated and maintained in a way that balances urban expansion with heritage conservation. One of the primary concerns in urban development is the visual exposure of historical landmarks, which plays a critical role in preserving cultural identity. The study argues that maintaining historically significant perspectives of architectural monuments is crucial in preventing the erosion of cultural heritage in expanding urban environments. It also explores the implementation of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in defining and monitoring protection zones, as practiced in Germany and Slovenia. These digital tools have been effective in preserving historical cityscapes and ensuring that new urban developments do not compromise visual heritage perspectives. The legal aspect of heritage protection is another critical area of focus. While Ukrainian legislation is relatively comprehensive, enforcement remains weak. The research highlights the necessity of updating existing laws and aligning them with international conventions, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Convention. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of establishing a centralized heritage cadastral system, which would serve as a database for cultural sites, their historical value, and their legal protection status. The study also examines how heritage protection laws are integrated into urban planning policies in Germany and Slovenia. In Germany, a detailed classification system for cultural heritage sites has been developed, ensuring proper legal oversight and urban planning coordination. Slovenia, on the other hand, has successfully incorporated cultural heritage data into its national GIS system, providing transparent and accessible data for planning decisions. Both countries serve as models for implementing a systematic, technology-driven approach to defining and managing heritage protection zones. The findings suggest that Ukraine should adopt a hybrid approach, combining elements of both German and Slovenian models. The integration of GIS technology, stricter enforcement of legal protections, and improved coordination between national and municipal authorities are recommended as key strategies for enhancing heritage conservation efforts. Additionally, the study emphasizes the importance of public awareness and community engagement in heritage preservation initiatives. The research concludes that a sustainable and integrated approach to cultural heritage management is essential for Ukraine’s urban development. By adopting best practices from leading European countries, Ukraine can ensure the protection of its cultural assets while fostering a harmonious relationship between historical preservation and modern urbanization.