The main topics concern: Global changes and problems of the transition to sustainable development. Sustainable development: principles, goals, mechanisms and indicators. Basic principles of EU sustainable development policy. International and European legislation on environmental protection - main provisions. Environmental policy and the institutionalization of environmental care in Bulgaria. Concept of "Circular Economy". Public law institutions for environmental management. National financing of environmental protection activities. Powers of functional ministries and departments for environmental protection. Concept of services / benefits provided by ecosystems. Cost-benefit analysis in the evaluation of environmental projects.