Abstract Dachas (collective gardens with summer houses in post-Soviet countries) is one of the most common features of peri-urban landscapes within the region that is the erstwhile USSR, with dacha conglomerates constituting half of the areas in the exurbs of major cities. In Belarus, Russia and Ukraine dachas largely preserved their original form and function. Arguably, they are at the turning point now, and can be further transformed sustainably if appropriate incentive structures will be created within national governance systems. The central objective of this study therefore is to understand the origin and transition of dacha’s form, process and function in terms of their environmental and social impact, as well as opportunities for transformative change towards sustainability under various governance conditions in the three countries. Building on field data from three suburban locations in Belarus, Russia and Ukraine, as well as analysis of applicable regulatory frameworks and institutions in the three countries, we analysed social and behavioural background of dachas, management practices relevant to their environmental footprint, as well as governance frameworks, actors and power relations. Findings were further discussed in terms of governance barriers and solutions for sustainability transformation of dachas in a broader context of peri-urban transformation, and provide a comparative perspective across Eastern Europe. As such, none of the pathways have emerged as better than the rest in terms of sustainability. Variability of socio-economic and political contexts found in the region suggests that no “one size fits all” governance approach can be recommended. Any solutions paving the way for transformative changes would require proper information and knowledge systems with a smoother regulatory framework, and a purposeful restructuring of existing actor relationships.

中文翻译：

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东欧别墅的环境驱动因素和可持续转型：分析概述

摘要 别墅（后苏联国家带有避暑别墅的集体花园）是前苏联地区城郊景观最常见的特征之一，别墅集团占主要城市郊区的一半。在白俄罗斯、俄罗斯和乌克兰，别墅在很大程度上保留了其原始形式和功能。可以说，它们现在正处于转折点，如果在国家治理体系中建立适当的激励结构，它们可以进一步可持续地转变。因此，本研究的中心目标是了解别墅的形式、过程和功能在其环境和社会影响方面的起源和转变，以及在三个国家不同治理条件下向可持续性转型的机会。基于白俄罗斯、俄罗斯和乌克兰三个郊区的实地数据，以及对这三个国家适用的监管框架和机构的分析，我们分析了别墅的社会和行为背景、与其环境足迹相关的管理实践，以及治理框架、行动者和权力关系。在更广泛的城郊转型背景下，进一步讨论了治理障碍和别墅可持续性转型的解决方案，并提供了整个东欧的比较视角。因此，就可持续性而言，没有任何一种途径比其他途径更好。该地区发现的社会经济和政治背景的变化表明没有“一刀切”的治理方法可以被推荐。