The article examines current issues related to ensuring environmental safety in the Arctic in the context of intensifying economic activity and growing cargo traffic along the Northern Sea Route (NSR). The aim of the study is to formulate scientific and methodological recommendations for reducing and eliminating environmental risks, ensuring a balance between industrial development and the preservation of vulnerable Arctic ecosystems. The methodological basis of the work comprised a systems approach, an analysis of the Russian regulatory framework and international reports (AMAP, HELCOM, Arctic Council), a comparative analysis of environmental management practices in Norway, Canada, and the Baltic states. As a result of the study, 11 groups of environmental risks (climatogenic, operational, cumulative damage risks) have been systematized, and a comprehensive approach to their minimization has been developed. The proposed methodology integrates institutional, technological, and organizational measures, including improved monitoring using satellite systems and UAVs, implementation of “green” shipping technologies, elimination of accumulated pollution, and involvement of indigenous peoples in decision-making. It was concluded that the application of this approach will improve the effectiveness of strategic planning, strengthen the region’s environmental security and enhance Russia’s position in the Arctic. The results have practical significance for updating government programs and implementing infrastructure projects.
The article presents a comparative analysis of key federal and regional strategic documents defining the development trajectories of the regions of the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation. The study is based on a systematic documentary analysis combined with comparative mapping of strategic goals, priorities, and indicators, as well as an assessment of natural resource management and environmental protection mechanisms, including provisions aimed at safeguarding the rights of the indigenous small-numbered peoples of the North. Particular attention is paid to the compliance of regional strategies with the principles of a risk-based forecasting approach and multi-level integration established by the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 633 of November 8, 2021. The results reveal a common set of priorities related to sustainable territorial development, environmental and social security, and economic resilience, alongside persistent systemic gaps that hinder their effective implementation. The most significant shortcomings include insufficient coordination between federal and regional levels, absence of unified indicators and monitoring procedures, limited consideration of climate and environmental risks, and weak involvement of local communities and indigenous peoples in strategic planning processes. The authors emphasize that the implementation of the provisions of Decree No. 633 requires not only the formal adjustment of strategic documents but also the development of unified methodological approaches to goal-setting, KPI formation, and the organization of evidence-based monitoring. The study proposes the development of a unified system of indicators, strengthening of inter-level coordination, institutionalization of climate risk assessment, and expansion of mechanisms for the participation of indigenous peoples. The research is of an applied nature and is intended for use in public administration practice.
The prolonged decline in northern reindeer husbandry is reflected in a reduction of the number of reindeer and the low economic efficiency of the sector. State support for reindeer farms, provided in the form of compensation for up to 95% of operational costs, ensures only the maintenance of current activities, without creating conditions for the development and modernization of production. This practice dates back to Soviet times and has been going on for many decades. In this regard, it is necessary to apply radically new approaches to the organization of production activities. The article presents an analysis of promising areas of technological transformation of the sector, including transition to fenced pasturing, introduction of deep processing of products, and creation of high value-added products. Technological transformation requires significant investments. Will it be possible to cover these costs in the foreseeable future? To answer this question, the article presents the results of a study using the example of a pilot investment project that is planned to be implemented in the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug. The analysis of the project aims to identify the conditions that could ensure its financial viability and economic efficiency. This has resulted in the formation and testing of a methodological approach to evaluating the prospects of such projects, based on previously conducted research. The developed recommendations on the industry’s self-financing and increasing its competitiveness can be widely used to create favorable conditions for the sector to overcome the crisis and for sustainable development of the Arctic regions.
This study examines the role of cultural cooperation in the development of identification mechanisms in the Barents Euro-Arctic Region (BEAR) prior to the transformation of multilateral interaction, associated with Russia’s termination of its participation in 2022 and its withdrawal from the Barents Euro-Arctic Council in 2023. The Barents Region is considered a construct formed by political elites, the existence of which was sustained, amongst other things, by the implementation of identity policies through cultural interaction between participants in interregional cooperation. The study reveals how cultural interaction contributed to the formation of the Barents Region’s identity. The article analyses a number of cultural projects through which identity politics were implemented in the BEAR. Using qualitative content analysis of cultural initiatives, the study identified the key symbolic narratives underpinning identity politics in the BEAR. These narratives include categories used to represent the Barents Region to both internal and external audiences. It is emphasized that the formation of regional identity in BEAR has been largely a by-product of broader multilateral cooperation, rather than a formally defined strategic objective of the cooperation partners. The findings are particularly relevant in the context of recent political changes. This study is of interest both for further academic research and for practical regional development planning.
The relevance of the research of the scientific, technological and economic potential of the Arkhangelsk Oblast is determined by a number of factors. Firstly, the Arkhangelsk Oblast plays a key role in ensuring Russia’s national security in the Arctic zone. Secondly, the region has significant potential for the development of mining, forestry, shipbuilding, fisheries and tourism. At present, the Arkhangelsk Oblast is characterized by substantial reserves of natural resources, including forests, minerals and water resources. However, their use requires a rational approach to prevent environmental problems. Thirdly, the presence of scientific and educational centers creates favorable conditions for the generation and implementation of new technologies. The region’s scientific institutions are actively involved in developing innovative projects, but their integration into the region’s economy requires increased interaction between the scientific community and the business sector. Innovative projects and start-ups in the fields of technology and ecology demonstrate the potential for further development. Over the past decade, the dynamics of the gross regional product and gross value added of the Arkhangelsk Oblast have shown positive trends, reflecting changes in key sectors of the region’s economy. Industrial production is an important part of the Arkhangelsk Oblast’s economy, accounting for more than 40% of the region’s total gross regional product. The main industrial areas are timber production, shipbuilding, and energy sector. The development of these industries contributes to strengthening economic stability and creating jobs. The financial performance of enterprises in the Arkhangelsk Oblast over the past decade reflects complex and contradictory trends in the economic development of the region. In recent years, the Arkhangelsk Oblast has experienced positive growth in investment in fixed assets. A key project in the field of scientific and technological development is the construction of a world-class scientific and educational campus “Arctic Star”. The implementation of this project will strengthen the cooperation chains between science, education and business, as well as increase the contribution of science to the economy of the agglomeration.
