Aim. The purpose of the study is to identify patterns of territorial differentiation of the transformation processes of socio-ecological systems (SES) of the Altai Republic caused by climate change and the perceptions of the local population about them. Special attention is paid to comparing objective climate trends and subjective perceptions of local communities that influence their adaptive behavior.

Methodology. The study is based on a comprehensive approach that includes statistical analysis of long-term climate data and surveys of the local population regarding their views on climate change and adaptation to it. An analysis of linear trends in temperature and precipitation based on long-term data (1991–2023) from 11 weather stations in the Altai Republic was performed. The field stage is represented by an in-depth interview of 162 respondents in 33 localities, covering all physical and geographical provinces of the region. The identified narratives and adaptive practices were compared with objective climate monitoring data, which allowed us to establish areas of consistency and discrepancies between perception and reality.

Results. It has been established that climatic changes in Altai have a pronounced intraregional invariance: the most intense warming is recorded in the northern foothill regions, while in the highlands the changes are less pronounced. Seasonal and interannual variability increases the sense of «climate instability». The interview revealed significant differences in the level of concern of the population: from complete denial of climate change (Northeastern Altai) to high anxiety and profound transformations of economic activity (Southeastern Altai). The population is most concerned about climate change in areas where climatic conditions are initially extreme (very high annual and daily temperature ranges, pronounced aridity, and permafrost spread). Even a slight change in climate indicators is perceived by the population here as a catastrophic process. The main adaptive responses include changes in herd structure, shifting pasture cycles, abandoning traditional forms of environmental management, adjusting construction practices, and transforming agricultural systems. In some cases, adaptation is determined not by real trends, but by collective perceptions, which leads to erroneous socio-ecological strategies.

Research implications. The work contributes to the development of the theory of socio-ecological systems by demonstrating the complexity and non-linearity of climate–landscape–society relationships using the example of a mountainous region with a high natural and cultural mosaic. The practical significance lies in identifying the factors that determine the success or inefficiency of adaptation. The results can be used in the development of regional strategies for climate adaptation, environmental management planning, pasture resource management and improvement of institutional mechanisms for sustainable development of mountain areas.

Aim. To assess the change in the area of forested lands at the upper limit of tree vegetation growth on the Zigalga Ridge (Southern Urals). To develop a justified forecast of the forest area expansion over the next century using data on the spatial position, age, and morphometric parameters of about 1004 trees.

Methodology. The dendrochronological method was used to derive the age of 411 trees growing on permanent study plots covering an area of 1.1 hectares. The studied plots are in the upper forest line ecotone and differ in exposure and altitude. The current above-ground woody biomass was measured in situ. Woody biomass formed in previous years was assessed using tree cores. Models predicting woody biomass at given locations were developed as functions combining the time of observation and geographic coordinates.

Results. The article presents data on the shift of the upper boundaries of woody vegetation into the mountain tundra communities, observed in the last century on the slopes of various exposures of the Zigalga Ridge in the Southern Urals, and also presents an analysis of how this shift is currently progressing. The paper proposes a model that predicts the accumulation of aboveground biomass of spruce stands and the movement of the upper forest boun-dary higher into the mountains in the coming years. The model forecasts that by 1965–2070, the pass between Mount Poperechnaya and Mount Lysaya will likely be covered with dense forest.

Research implications. The results of the study represent the first experience of modeling the advance of the upper forest boundary in the mountains of the Southern Urals and can be used in similar tasks in various mountain systems around the world. The obtained data on the spatial position of trees and their morphometric parameters can be used to monitor the condition of trees under various climate change scenarios in the future.

Aim. Analyze regional practices for normalizing the permissible residual content of oil and petroleum products in soils of oil and gas production areas in Russia, including the north of the European part, the Volga region and the Kama region, the North Caucasus, Siberia and the Far East. Discuss the scientific validity of existing Russian regulatory instruments for land restoration after oil pollution.

Methodology. The state of the regulatory framework for the application of DOSNP standards at the federal and regional levels has been analyzed using an integrated approach based on a combination of statistical and comparative legal methods.

Results. The shortcomings of the current regional standards for the permissible residual content of oil and petroleum products in different types of soils have been identified, such as the lack of officially approved methodological support for the development of the permissible residual content of oil and petroleum products and the absence of a unified federal legal framework that defines the mandatory requirements and procedures for establishing such standards. The current regional standards have a very limited scope in Russia due to the lack of legal regulations that define the mandatory requirements for the permissible residual content of oil and petroleum products in different types of soils. It has been shown that the current regional standards for DOP are characterized by scientifically unjustified regional differences in the established level and the decisions made to change this level. For example, in the Perm Territory and the Republic of Udmurtia, the established standard for DOP does not exceed 3.0-3.3 g/kg on forest land, while in more northern regions with a very low potential for self-purification of landscapes from organic pollution (the Nenets Autonomous Okrug and the Republic of Komi), it can reach 20-30 g/kg. This poses a threat not only to ecosystems but also to the economic interests of enterprises. The article considers factors that increase the validity of the DOSNP standards, including geographical factors related to the landscape characteristics of the territory, soil types, and their self-purification potential, as well as socio-economic factors, primarily the purpose of land use (land category), based on the development and implementation of a unified federal system of regulatory support for the region. It has been shown that there is no differentiation of requirements for land restoration after oil spills, taking into account the specific nature of the environment and the intended use of the land, in most Russian regions.

Research implications. The necessity of developing a federal (for Russia) system of legal and regulatory support for state regulation of land restoration after oil pollution is substantiated.

Aim. Classification of landscape complexes based on their visual and aesthetic qualities using remote sensing methods, using the Belogradchish Rocks natural landmark as an example.

Methodology. An aesthetic assessment of landscape complexes was conducted in the field using route surveys and high-resolution UAV imaging. Unlike field routes or observations at individual viewpoints, remote sensing methods provide a continuous areal survey of the territory. Fifteen indicators were identified that allow for a visual and aesthetic assessment of any of 1,130 points at 80-meter intervals using a combined digital elevation model (SRTM DEM + DTM with UAV). The visual and aesthetic quality of landscape complexes classified as tracts was assessed based on a set of observation points within their boundaries, calculating the proportions of points with varying degrees of aesthetic appeal. This provided the basis for classifying tract complexes based on the degree of homogeneity of visual and aesthetic qualities within their landscape boundaries. For landscape complexes of the same genetic type that were characterized by disparate assessments of visual and aesthetic quality, a statistical analysis of the factors that may cause heterogeneity in landscape complex assessments was conducted. Estimates vary depending on the elevation of the complex, the density of the stand, and its position relative to neighboring complexes. Taking these factors into account, tract types can be divided into subtypes, which are characterized by uniformity in their visual and aesthetic qualities.

Results. The types and subtypes of landscape complexes of the Belogradchish Rocks natural landmark territory, which have uniformity of visual and aesthetic quality within their boundaries, have been identified and mapped.

Research implications. A methodology for compiling a map of landscape complexes based on their visual and aesthetic value is proposed.

Aim. Demonstrate the ability to assess the current status of faunas in administrative areas using standardised approaches as a tool for identifying the most pressing conservation problems and determining how to address them

Methodology. In accordance with the most recognised views on taxon systematics, up-todate species lists of terrestrial vertebrates of Uzbekistan were compiled. A fixed two-level list of the main types of ecosystems was prepared for the whole territory of Uzbekistan, taking into account the existing international classifications. Original maps of ecosystems and habitats have been compiled. A set of indicators developed by the authors was used to assess the significance of faunal diversity of administrative regions of the country.

Results. Inventory of vertebrate fauna using standard approaches allowed to identify the current species composition of rare mammals in the section of 3 adjacent administrative regions of the eastern part of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Syrdarya and Jizzak. A comparative analysis of similarities and differences of rare mammal faunas of the studied administrative regions on a 10-point scale using 4 indicators was carried out. Peculiarities and regularities of territorial distribution of species were revealed.

Research implications. The inventory and assessment of fauna status in the context of administrative regions using standardised approaches is the first experience of such work for Uzbekistan and Central Asia. The results of the research will serve as a basis for updating the species sketches of the next edition of the Red Data Book of the Republic of Uzbekistan, substantiating conservation and threatened species statuses, preventing or mitigating negative impacts on them, and developing and implementing measures for their conservation and restoration.

Aim. Development of the urban environment quality index and its calculation for cities of Kazakhstan with a population of more than 250 thousand people.

Methodology. Study of the conceptual framework on urban environment and its quality, search and analysis of scientific articles and books, as well as existing methods for calculating urban environment quality and quality of life indices. Development of an index, collection and design of a database for major cities in Kazakhstan. A database was compiled based on 18 indicators divided into 4 blocks: environmental friendliness, safety, comfort and accessibility, housing conditions and improvement. Based on the data obtained, a general rating of urban environment quality was compiled, the results were verified, and suggestions were made to improve the quality of urban environment.

Results. The urban environment quality index has been developed and calculated for 14 major cities in Kazakhstan. Based on the results obtained, a ranking of cities was compiled based on the quality of the urban environment, with recommendations for improving its quality.

Research implications. The paper considers concepts and terms, examines existing methods and indexes related to the quality of the urban environment. A content analysis of publications on the quality of the urban environment has been carried out. A system of indicators and a methodology for assessing the quality of the urban environment have been developed. The calculation of the indicators is based on the processing and interpretation of the data obtained on the quality of the urban environment. Based on the results of the assessment, the main problems in cities affecting the quality of the urban environment have been identified and proposals have been developed to minimize them with recommendations for the application of successful practices.

Aim. The aim of this study is to analyze the prerequisites for the expansion of territories whose primary or secondary function, in the context of shifting regional development priorities in the Russian Federation, is to provide conditions for tourism and recreational activities; identify potential problems and risks.

Methodology. The research is based on an analysis of tourist-recreational land use practices across various regions of Russia, compared with changes introduced in federal-level regulatory legal documents over the past five years. Comparing practical experience with the legal framework allowed for the identification of current and potential problems and risks.

Results. The analysis showed that in recent years, terminological inconsistencies in codes and federal laws relating to recreational activities have been eliminated; in legal documents of the federal level, the range of territories for which the tourist and recreational function is fixed as the main or accompanying was expanded; there are a number of territories involved in tourism and recreational activities in practice, but not reflecting this function in legal documents of the federal level (lands of health and recreation areas and resorts, places of traditional existence of folk art crafts, historical settlements, territories of traditional nature management of indigenous peoples); for certain categories of land (museums-reserves, rural areas), the improvement of the conditions for the development of recreational activities is ahead of the improvement of the conditions for the preservation of natural and natural-cultural complexes.

Research implications. The findings can be used in the planning and design of recreational territories, as well as in organizing recreational and environmental protection activities.

Aim. To identify the leading role of nature-oriented tourism in the Karelian Arctic (the northern part of Karelia, which is part of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation), as well as limiting and stimulating factors of the territory’s tourist development, taking into account the interests of the local community and approaches to sustainable nature management.

Methodology. The data of 11 semi-formalized interviews conducted by the Author during May–July 2024 with key experts in the tourism sector of the «government-business-society» triad in three municipalities of the Karelian Arctic were analyzed and summarized: heads of specialized departments of municipal authorities, key tourism business organizations, specially protected natural areas, cultural institutions and non-profit organizations involved in receiving and serving tourists

Results The leading position of nature-oriented tourism in the Karelian Arctic is presented. It is revealed that the localization of municipalities of the Karelian Arctic determines the specifics of their tourist and recreational potential and opportunities for tourism development: border municipalities – preserved vast areas of natural ecosystems and protected natural areas; eastern municipalities – the White Sea. Among the types of nature-oriented tourism, the leading place is given to ecological tourism, and also, other types of tourism are based on the unique natural potential of the territory (active, event, adventure, educational, etc.). The main factors of tourist attractiveness of the Karelian Arctic are the unique beauty and pristine preservation of northern nature, as well as the silence, peace and solitude («digital detox») that accompany tourists. The study identified a number of main limiting factors in the development of domestic and international inbound tourism. Further development and, especially, strengthening of the positions of nature-oriented tourism in the Karelian Arctic requires overcoming a whole range of infrastructural, personnel, economic, bureaucratic and other restrictions. Taking into account possible environmental risks from unorganized tourism, largely due to the insufficiency of the environmental culture of the local community, holding educational events on environmental conservation and organizing amateur tourism among the local population, from preschool to old age, should become a priority task of educational, environmental organizations and local governments, implemented on a regular basis.

Research implications. A summary of interview data with tourism experts in three areas of the Karelian Arctic is of interest to regional and municipal authorities when making management decisions on the development of the tourism business in the Russian Arctic. The development of tourism in the Arctic should take into account not only possible environmental risks, but also the interests of the local community.

Aim. The GLM (Generalized Linear Model) algorithm has been created for working with binary data on all analysis steps, which would be possible for all users without special IT skills.

Methodology. We used wide distributed algorithm statistically analysis which includes three main steps: biology hypnotizes formulation and data collecting, investigation of data, fitting and checking finally models. As data example were choose forest taxation features of Oak petiolate (Quercus robur L.) from 15 ecoregions. The average trunk diameter has been simulated according to age, high, trunk number and geographically location of sample area. Because features of dependent variable didn’t allow choosing classical regression analysis we simulated of probability the excess of 30-cm threshold of trunk diameter with logistic regression using. For quality assessment of models we used different deviances, i.e. difference between depended variable and predicted values (residuals), calculated specific quantile residuals for GLM, nonparametric tests for nested models and model parameters potentiating.

Results. There was showed the dependence trunk diameter on age and trunk number, as well as latitude of sample area. The existing algorithm has been supplemented by power test and assessment of prediction independent variable by kappa-coefficient and ROC-curves. The new algorithm allows simulating variables which don’t fit to demands of lineal regression, to comparison models, to assessment the quality of prognosis and a volume of minimal sample.

Research implications. This work has a methodic direction. There has been showed for logistic models creation there are enough functions from RStudio core excluding the minimal sample assessment.