Liudmila Bato-Zhargalovna Maksanova

Using the Republic of Buryatia as a case study, this article analyzes current challenges in the development of the agro-industrial complex and rural areas. Acute social and personnel problems in the development of agriculture and rural territories are linked to a decline in the rural population due to natural decrease and the outmigration of young, active residents. Constraints of a natural-environmental, economic, and infrastructural nature also exist. The study employs institutional and statistical methods. The information base includes government reports, documents, and materials of the Republic of Buryatia available in the public domain, as well as the authors' own research findings. The article presents the experience of the Republic of Buryatia in diversifying the rural economy through the development of rural tourism, considering changes in the regulatory framework and the impact of federal and regional state support measures. Additional sources for diversifying the rural economy and increasing employment in rural areas are examined, specifically through the implementation of the "Far Eastern Hectare" program. The studied experience of the Republic confirms the diversification focus of its regional policy for developing the rural economy, supporting farming, and alternative forms of employment and self-employment. However, it is concluded that under conditions of prioritized resource concentration to improve the living environment in key (anchor) settlements at the regional level, a differentiated approach is necessary to stimulate the diversification of the rural economy through the non-agricultural sector in rural territories not included in the list of key settlements. The research contributes to the literature by analyzing the potential and additional tools for diversifying the rural economy and increasing rural employment. This contributes to the generalization of experience and critical understanding of current trends in the sustainable development of rural territories.

The article presents the results of a study aimed at developing a methodological approach to quantifying the development of territorial natural and economic systems (NES) of agriculture and identifying priorities for their regulation. The study covers the period from 2010 to 2022 and focuses on the cross-border territories of North Asia within Russia, selected by the authors as a model based on previous studies. A comprehensive NES development index has been developed that integrates 20 indicators across four blocks: agricultural production, agricultural economy, natural resources and the environment, and rural society. The methodology includes the stages of normalization of indicators, calculation of entropy to determine weights, quantification of the index, and development of scenarios using the Analytic Hierarchy Process. The multidirectional dynamics of NES development was revealed: positive in the Republic of Tuva (complex index increase by 34%) and negative in the Republic of Buryatia (decrease by 17%) and the Zabaikalsky Krai (decrease by 23%). The scenario analysis identified the priority areas for regulating the development of NESs for each region. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the development of a comprehensive methodology adapted to the specific conditions of the model regions of North Asia. Based on the results, practical recommendations on the regulation of NES have been formulated, including measures to improve the standard of living of the rural population and optimize environmental management.

Ice and snow tourism (IST) is a significant global trend, offering Russia opportunities for tourism growth and seasonal diversification. This study investigates the potential of ice and snow art as a distinct subcategory of IST on Lake Baikal. Our research is based on an analysis of academic publications and official policy documents, field surveys conducted in winter 2025, and stakeholder consultations, with the “Olkhon Ice Fest” serving as a case study. The findings indicate a clear shift toward IST, with the number of winter tourists on Olkhon Island increasing by 70% between 2021 and 2024. The festival’s key features—its use of the natural ice landscape, a unique artistic technique, an explicit ecological focus, and strong entrepreneurial initiative—support the development of a conceptual model of IST on Lake Baikal grounded in ecotourism principles. Ensuring the long-term sustainable development of IST in the region requires improved governance, infrastructure, and transport systems, as well as support for green businesses and increased environmental awareness among tourists. This study contributes to the ongoing discourse on sustainable winter tourism by demonstrating the interconnections among environmental sustainability, socioeconomic benefits, and cultural innovation, thereby situating local IST practices within the broader framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the socio-economic impacts of the 2023–2024 winter dzud on Mongolia’s nomadic livestock farming. A comprehensive impact assessment approach is proposed, including a social assessment of the dzud impact on farms, an analysis of pasture carrying capacity, and an economic assessment of direct and indirect losses to nomadic livestock farming. The study’s results for the five most affected aimags indicate that 63.3% of surveyed households suffered livestock losses, and the total economic damage, including the reduced value of pasture ecosystem services, reached 1.5–1.9 billion USD. Based on the grazing pressure analysis and expert survey results, overgrazing was identified as a key vulnerability factor. Priority adaptation policy measures were identified, including sustainable pasture resource management, including the use of traditional nomadic practices, and increased direct financial and social support for nomads. The findings have practical implications for policy development in regions with similar climate risks.

In modern geopolitical conditions, tourism development in the Far East is included in Russia’s strategic agenda. At the state level, a set of unprecedented measures aimed at developing the tourism industry in the macroregion has been launched. This article examines the specifics of implementing the federal agenda for the integrated development of tourism in the Far East with a case study of the Republic of Buryatia, located in the Baikal Natural Territory and part of the Far Eastern Federal District since 2018. The article presents the key measures of state tourism policy with respect to the Far East, the main directions and mechanisms of state regulation, and support of tourism in the Republic of Buryatia. It is shown the territorial structure of tourist and recreational activities in the region is changing. The research is based on legislative and regulatory documents, national projects and state programs, scientific publications, information and statistical data from various official sources at the federal and regional levels, and Internet sources. The results of the study indicate that the Republic of Buryatia is actively improving its own regional policy for tourism development, using new approaches and progressive instruments of state support. Tourism in Buryatia has recovered from the COVID shock and is developing quite successfully in the conditions of modern reality. This confirms not only the priority Far Eastern vector of tourism, but also the sufficiency of the efforts of the region, which actively participates in all competitive selections for federal financial support. At the same time, a significant increase in the number of accommodation facilities and tourist flow without insufficient consideration of environmental factors in investment and economic activities may result in increased environmental degradation. The article proposes measures to improve tourism policy in line with the strategic objectives of tourism development in the Republic of Buryatia and preservation of the unique Lake Baikal ecosystem.

The article considers approaches to the analysis and measurement of the readiness of the local population from among the indigenous minorities to develop tourism activities in their places of residence and the impact of tourism on living standards. The analytical base is based on the results of our own sociological surveys of indigenous minorities in four areas of their compact residence in the Republic of Buryatia. The purpose of the study is to develop scientific tools for analyzing the development of tourism in the territories of traditional residence of indigenous peoples, to identify the attitude of the local population to the development of tourism from the standpoint of the tourist attractiveness of these territories, to improve the standard of living of indigenous peoples. The hypothesis of the study is that the indigenous population is interested in the development of tourism in terms of improving living standards. At the same time, they associate their willingness to work with tourists with the development of infrastructure, improvement of transport accessibility of the territory, targeted support for the development of tourism in places where indigenous peoples live, and environmental conservation. As a result of the study, the factors hindering the development of tourism activities (fear and uncertainty of the local population in working with tourists, poor transport accessibility, lack of infrastructure) were identified, and the benefits of tourism development were determined (obtaining additional income through the provision of services to tourists, creating new jobs, selling souvenirs from local raw materials). The scientific novelty of the study consists in the development of a methodological approach to studying the readiness of the local population to develop tourism and improve the quality of life on this basis. The elements of scientific novelty include the development of methods for assessing the readiness of the local population for the development of tourism. The results of the study can be used to develop tourism in places where indigenous peoples traditionally live and improve the quality of life of the local population.

The article examines patterns of implementation of the environmental regulation using economic instruments for environmental management in the countries and regions of North Asia. The trends of ecological and economic development and the practice of applying market instruments for environmental management are analyzed. An assessment was made of the level of compliance of the socioeconomic development of the North Asian regions of Russia with the principles of the green economy based on a content analysis of strategic development. The regions were ranked according to the degree of inclusion in their strategic development plans of goals, priorities, development directions, and instruments related to the green economy and its related concepts. The approach proposed by the authors can become a tool for measuring the degree of compliance of regional growth with the principles of the green economy when making management decisions in the field of environmental and economic development.

The development of tourism in the Russian Far East is a priority for the strategic development of Russia in the current geopolitical environment. The state is implementing unprecedented measures to support the tourism industry in this macro-region. This article analyzes the implementation of the federal agenda for comprehensive tourism development in the Far East, using the Republic of Buryatia as an example (the republic is located in the Baikal natural territory and has been part of the Far Eastern Federal District since 2018). This article presents the key measures of state tourism policy for the Far East, as well as the mechanisms of state regulation and support of tourism in Buryatia. It demonstrates the changing territorial structure of tourism and recreational activities in the region. The study is based on legislative and regulatory documents, national projects, state programs, scientific publications and websites, as well as official statistical data from both federal and regional sources. The results of this study indicate that the Republic of Buryatia is actively enhancing its regional policy on tourism development by utilizing innovative approaches and progressive state support measures. Tourism in Buryatia has not only successfully overcome the consequences of the pandemic but is also developing in current conditions. This is evident in the prioritization of tourism in the Russian Far East and the significant efforts of the authorities of Buryatia, who participate in all competitive selections for federal financial support. At the same time, a significant increase in the number of accommodation facilities and tourist flow without insufficient consideration of environmental factors in investment and economic activities may manifest itself in increased environmental degradation. The article proposes measures to improve tourism policy in line with the solution of strategic tasks of tourism development in the Republic of Buryatia and the preservation of the unique ecosystem of Lake Baikal.

The article continues a series of publications on the economic assessment of the consequences of negative water impacts caused by the rising water levels of Lake Baikal. The study focuses on certain methodological aspects of assessing damage to the infrastructure of coastal specially protected natural areas (SPNAs). Thus, within the Republic of Buryatia, SPNAs of federal significance (Transbaical National Park, Baikal and Barguzinsky Reserves, Frolikha and Kabansky Wildlife Refuges) and regional significance (Upper Angara, Ad-jacent to Lake Baikal, and Enkheluk Wildlife Refuges, and the recreational area “Baikal Coast”) are affected by negative impacts due to changes in Lake Baikal’s water levels. The methodological framework for assessing damage relies on the fundamental principles of the “Methodology for Assessing Probabilistic Damage” (VIEMS methodology). Considering the limited application of the methodology concerning SPNAs, the article justifies methodological provisions and proposes an algorithm for assessing damage to SPNA infrastructure, taking into account their functional purpose.