Aim. The purpose of the paper is to analyze original data on rare birds in the poorly studied mountainous territory of the north of Transbaikalia. Methodology. The study was conducted mainly in the summer of 2019-2020 in mountain ranges: Udokan, Kodar, Kalarskiy and intermountain basins. Use was made of binoculars and photo registration. Results. Nine protected bird species (Red Data Books of Russia and Zabaikalsky krai) were observed: black-throated loon Gavia arctica, whooper swan Cygnus cygnus, harlequin duck Histrionicus histrionicus, crested honey buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus, golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos, common crane Grus grus, Eurasian wren Troglodytes troglodytes, yellow-browed bunting Ocyris chrysophrys and yellow-breasted bunting O. aureoles. We also report the first confirmed case of nesting of lesser whitethroat Sylvia curruca and an unusual summer meeting of ringed plover Charadrius hiaticula in the Charskaya depression. For the lesser whitethroat, this is the easternmost point of the nesting area. Research implications. The data on the state of populations of rare species in mountainous areas in the north of Transbaikalia is important due to the threat of their extinction from the actively developing mining industry and the need to update the List of Protected Species of the Transbaikal Territory.

Aim. The resource potential of underground water in the Russian Federation is assessed and the most important problems of its use in modern conditions are analyzed, taking into account the trends of natural and climatic changes. Methodology. An analysis is made of the published materials, as well as of statistical and regulatory sources on various aspects of underground water use. Results. The state of the mineral resource base of underground water in Russia is considered in the context of its accounting and potential use. The main genetic types of underground water deposits are indicated in relation to different types of natural regions. The role of federal districts and subjects of the Russian Federation in the provision of underground water resources is analyzed. The environmental risks arising from the conservation of mineral deposits are discussed. Research implications. The results of the analysis can be used to improve the efficiency of information support for state policy in the field of water use in the Russian Federation. The main problems of underground water use are outlined from the standpoint of their legal regulation, and measures are proposed to manage the current situation. The necessity of modernizing Russian legislation in the field of water use regulation is substantiated.

Aim. The aim of this work is to study the provision of urban areas with elements of the ecological framework, to assess the quality of these areas and to reveal main environmental problems. Methodology. The analysis and generalization of the material was carried out using the study of the literary and Internet sources. Results. We have studied the features of the environmental legislation of Moscow and investigated the main characteristics of specially protected natural and specially protected green areas as elements of the ecological framework of a metropolis. By generalizing the obtained data, common environmental problems have been identified and the main hazards in the legislation that can lead to their destruction have been determined. Research implications. The performed studies make it possible to visually see and generalize the properties and problems of the main elements of the ecological framework of a metropolis: they are the basis for building a database for the future atlas information system and also contribute to the development of the urban management system of nature conservation areas.

Aim. The aim of the work is to analyze the impact of petroleum products saturated with potential toxic elements on the environment within the fragile ecosystems of the Arctic region and calculate the damage to groundwater in monetary terms. Methodology. Use is made of chronological analysis, regulatory and technical analysis of infrastructure compliance with the established requirements, and methods of generalization, interpretation, and mathematical analysis, as well as of interpretation of satellite images for the movement of flowing waters saturated with petroleum products. Results. An environmental impact is assessed, a regulatory and technical analysis of the compliance of infrastructure facilities with current regulatory and technical requirements is carried out, and economic damage from groundwater pollution is calculated in monetary terms. Research implications. The latest environmental disaster in Norilsk is a vivid example of the imperfection of the system of environmental approach in the operation of industrial production facilities. The paper clearly demonstrates the practical importance of ensuring timely technical diagnostics of fuel and lubricant storage facilities. The results of the study will allow scientists and environmental protection workers to assess the consequences of the disaster and use the research materials to justify the elimination of environmental damage. The paper will allow all interested persons to assess the real consequences of the disaster and realize the importance of compliance with all requirements and regulations in the field of environmental protection.

Aim. The purpose is to reveal the relationship between the economic development and environmental situation in China. Methodology. The research provides an analysis of statistical data on the principle pollutants, CO2 emissions and China’s GDP. Environmental Kuznets curves based on these indicators are suggested for revealing the relationship between the economic growth and environmental degradation. These curves show that the economic development initially leads to environmental deterioration, but after a certain level of economic growth, the level of environmental degradation reduces. Decoupling effect graphs that show how the economic growth decouples from environmental degradation are suggested. The obtained results are interpreted. Results. The improvement of the environmental situation, expressed by decreasing emissions of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, but accompanied by a continuous economic growth, is revealed. Relative decoupling for NOx and CO2 and absolute decoupling for SO2 in China is noted. Institutional factors for environmental situation improvement are identified for air emissions. Research implications. The results enable to evaluate the process of transit to the green economy model in China for detection of its accelerating factors.

Purpose. The purpose of the study is to identify and study the spatiotemporal patterns of the formation and development of an important component of the production and technological innovation infrastructure, i.e. technoparks. Methodology. The paper presents a comparative analysis of the features of the formation and development of domestic and foreign technoparks based on the use of GIS-technologies, rating assessments, analysis of territorial differentiation and efficiency of functioning of Russian technoparks. The study was conducted at two territorial levels: regional (subjects of the Russian Federation) and local (using the example of a regional technopark in the field of high technologies), which allowed each of them to solve a set of tasks in accordance with the purpose of the study. Results. The dynamics of the development of technology parks in Russia since 1990, their functions, specialization and efficiency of functioning are revealed. A conclusion is made that the volume of production of innovative goods, works, and services depends on the level of the development of technopark structures in the regions of Russia. Theoretical and Practical implications. The paper substantiates the further development of regional innovation systems based on the foundation of technoparks in the field of high technologies by developing an effective marketing strategy for the commercialization of innovations and restructuring the modern education system in accordance with the needs of the country’s innovative development.

Aim. The purpose of the paper is a complex study of the Spitsbergen tourist system. Methodology. Based on historical-geographical, descriptive, comparative and analytical-statistical methods, we analyze the stages of the tourist development of the Arctic, identify the regions for the development of Arctic tourism, and describe its main types. Results. It is found that the periods of the development of the Arctic coincide with the periods of the beginning of its tourist use. The historical periods of the tourist development of Spitsbergen and the factors that hindered its development in the past and present are revealed. Research implications. On the example of the Spitsbergen archipelago, the problems of tourism development in the Arctic have been updated, and a contribution has been made to the theory and methodology of its study. Previous experience in this area is systematized. Attention is drawn to the key sector of development of the economic activity of the Russian Federation on the archipelago, which contributes to the solution of the country’s strategic tasks.

Aim. The purpose is to identify the possibilities of developing rural tourism in the areas of the Russian-Belarusian borderlands, as well as to formulate practical measures for the development of rural tourism in the border regions of Russia and Belarus as a priority type of tourism in the intercapital environment. Methodology. We have systematized statistical data on the current state of rural tourism in the regions of the Russian-Belarusian borderlands and near-capital regions, revealed the resources for the development of rural tourism, and predicted the possible development of rural tourism in the Russian-Belarusian borderlands under the influence of the intercapital factor. Results. The characteristics of the development models of rural tourism in Russia and Belarus are presented. The conditions and factors of the development of rural tourism in the Russian-Belarusian border area as a promising type of tourism are analyzed. The ways of further development of rural tourism in the regions of the Russian-Belarusian border area are identified. Research implications. Practical recommendations are formulated for the development of rural tourism in the Russian-Belarusian border area to meet the growing demand of capital residents for recreation and health improvement in rural areas.

Aim. The purpose is to study the effectiveness of various disinfectants for the sterilization of the garlic plant material under introduction in vitro culture. Methodology. Sterilization of the plant material was carried out according to a two-stage scheme. Chlorine-containing and quaternary ammonium compounds, as well as water-soluble ‘Glavchlor’ granules and concentrated liquid preparations ‘Deo-bakter’ and ‘Megacid’ were used. The preparations were used in a concentration from 1% to 3% of the active substance and for an exposure time of 20 minutes. Results. Studies have shown that the preparation ‘Glavchlor’ when sterilizing the plant material of garlic, allows one to obtain up to 90% of infection-free explants, and the drug ‘Megacid’ can reduce the level of contamination by 7% - 29%. The use of the drug ‘Deo-bakter’ proved to be ineffective. Research implications. It is proved that ‘Glavchlor’ can be used as an alternative means for sterilization of plant material under introduction in vitro culture.