Aim. The purpose of the paper is to study the features of species diversity and the structure of the vegetation cover, which is formed under natural conditions in the areas of the distribution of the ancient and modern eolian relief in the middle and upper reaches of the Nadym River.
Methodology. The data of the 2021 field studies of the largest sand dunes in the north of Western Siberia in the middle and upper reaches of the Nadym River are analyzed. A total of 14 sites are examined, and standard geobotanical descriptions are performed on each site measuring 10х10 m. As a result, 33 different phytocenoses are studied in detail. The data of geobotanical descriptions serves as the basis for identifying patterns of the formation of the structure and diversity of plant communities under conditions of active manifestation of deflationary processes in humid north taiga conditions.
Results. The features of the formation of plant communities depending on the scales of deflationary processes, and the role of separate species in fixation of moving sands are revealed. The total species diversity of the described sites consists of 51 species, including 5 species of trees, 4 representatives of the undergrowth, 22 representatives of the grass-bush layer, and 20 species of mosses and lichens. The species diversity of large sand dunes, despite the sparse and unstable vegetation cover, is characterized by comparable or higher species diversity compared to the background areas of fixed sands due to the settlement of representatives of cereals and grasses of psammophilous tundra and forest-tundra groups in the open areas. The diversity of habitat conditions in terms of insolation, moisture, and substrate mobility is reflected in the change of dominant pioneer species in the process of dune overgrowth. Coniferous (with the predominance of Pinus sylvestris, L.) lichen sparse forests are formed on fixed sands. The rate and success of consolidation of mobile sands in the northern taiga subzone depend on the area of sand outcrop, the speed and mode of the dominant winds, and the nature and degree of moisture.
Research implications. The study is an actual basis for further construction of typical succession series of overgrowth of areas of blown sands and for the use of the identified patterns for the development of effective measures for the reclamation of sandy outcrops of anthropogenic origin in the conditions of the northern taiga of Western Siberia.

Aim. The purpose of the paper is to assess the water quality in the upper Mzymta River in the summer period of 2019–2020 using hydrobiological indicators.
Methodology. The work was carried out in July 2019 and 2020 at two stations, which are characterized by varying degrees of the anthropogenic impact. Methods based on the analysis of macrozoobenthos data were used. The taxonomic composition and abundance of benthic invertebrates were determined. The Shannon diversity index, the Berger–Parker index, Woodiwiss, the Margalef diversity index, EPT, BMWP, Pantle–Buck saprobity index, and the index modified by M.V. Chertoprud saprobity index were calculated.
Results. The taxonomic composition of the zoobenthos in the upper the Mzymta River is mainly common for the ritral zone of the mountain rivers of the Black Sea region. New taxa were discovered for this watercourse: gastropods Physa fontinalis and Ancylus sp. The values of the calculated indices generally indicate the relative purity of the river water. An increase in the level of saprobity to the β-mesosaprobic level indicates an elevated, against the background, content of the organic substance. There is a tendency for some deterioration of the condition of the watercourse downstream, together with an increase in anthropogenic load.
Research implications. The obtained results can form the basis for assessing changes in the ecosystem of the river as a consequence of the anthropogenic impact. They can be used in the development of environmental recommendations for activities in the catchment area of this watercourse.

Aim. The purpose of the paper is to analyze the priorities of the Arctic policy of foreign countries of the circumpolar region, reflected in the strategic documents that determine the main directions of activity of the countries in the Arctic region.
Methodology. The research relies on the bibliographic analysis and generalization of literature and materials from the Internet, as well as on strategic documents of foreign countries of the Arctic region; use is made of the method of comparative analysis.
Results. A review and analysis of the priorities of the Arctic policy of foreign countries of the circumpolar region, reflected in the strategic documents, show their significant similarity. It is found that almost all foreign countries of the ‘Arctic Eight’ (Canada, USA, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland) have strategic documents on the Arctic region, which declare the need for extending the circumpolar dialogue in accordance with the international law, under which their territories are considered to be of strategic importance for the entire world community. It is shown that all countries strive for security, ensuring the development of the economy and the social sphere, taking into account the environmental factor, as well as improving the management of the Arctic territories, guided by the principles of sustainable development. At the same time, the latest strategic documents of the United States declare (as a priority position) to ensure, first of all, the state security and economic interests of the United States.
Research implications. An analysis of the current situation is necessary for determining priorities in the development of international cooperation programs, as well as for providing economic and other activities that can ensure the preservation of the ecological significance of the Arctic region in the future.

Aim. The purpose of this work was to analyze the regional dynamics and territorial differences of morbidity among the adult population of the Primorsky Krai (Russia) using the example of diseases of the respiratory system in 2010–2020.
Methodology. The information base of the study is medical and statistical materials of the Ministry of Health of the Primorsky Krai. The regional features of the dynamics and territorial differentiation of respiratory morbidity are examined using the approaches of descriptive statistics, as well as comparative geographical and cartographic methods. Various indicators are assessed (long-term levels, incidence trends, etc.) for all municipal units of the Primorsky Krai.
Results. Information about negative trends in the dynamics of respiratory morbidity in the Primorsky Krai for the period 2010–2020 is obtained and refined. The municipal units of the Primorsky Krai are grouped according to the long-term incidence rate. This grouping reveals territorial differences in the region in the actual (recorded) prevalence of diseases of the respiratory system. About half of the municipal units (14 towns and districts) are characterized by increased morbidity. The unfavorable situation prevails mainly in the northern, central municipal units and the regional capital (Vladivostok).
Research implications. This study expands the understanding of respiratory morbidity among the adult population on the example of a developed region of the Russian Far East (Primorsky Krai). The obtained comparative geographical information is of practical importance for the organization of territorially differentiated monitoring, as well as medical and preventive measures in various regions of the Primorsky Krai.

Aim. The purpose of the paper is to conduct a tourist and recreational examination of the territory of the Saky region of the Republic of Crimea with the aim of developing a year-round tourist destination, taking into account the principles of sustainable development.
Methodology. The paper analyzes the state of tourism in the region and the main directions of the development of the tourist and recreational potential, as well as prospects, opportunities and limitations for the development of the Saky region as a year-round tourist destination. The key research method is the methodology of conducting a tourist and recreational expertise of the territory, which is based on integrated geographical, environmental, and socio-economic approaches to assess the territory’s potential.
Results. The main results of the tourist and recreational expertise are presented. Using the conducted SWOT analysis, the main categories of risks, “points of growth”, and priority areas for the development of tourism within the territory are identified. The main risks of tourism development including natural, environmental, economic, financial, geopolitical, social, infrastructural, legal, organizational and managerial are demonstrated.
Research implications. Based on the results of the study, we identified the main risks and problems that must be taken into account when developing the destinations of the Saky region as one of the priority new territories for the tourist and recreational development of the Western Coast of Crimea. Comprehensive consideration of the risks in the process of design of a new tourist and recreational clusters will minimize the managerial, environmental and economic risks of implementing tourist projects in the Saky region.

Aim. The purpose of the paper is to develop the concept of the first literary atlas of Russia.
Methodology. A critical analysis of literary mapping and literary atlas composition is presented. Key issues are identified. The research relies on the use of such methods as the method of system analysis, historical and geographical method, the cartography method, the mapping method, and the comparative-descriptive method.
Results. We have developed a typology of literary maps, and the principles of compiling a literary and geographical atlas. The necessary geographical methods for working with literary texts, including a comprehensive cultural and geographical methodology for studying and mapping literary trips, are described. Russian literary and geographical zoning is performed on the basis of V. N. Kalutskov’s cultural and geographical zoning of Russia, as a result of which 10 major literary and geographical regions are distinguished. The structure of the literary atlas of Russia is proposed.
Research implication. The concept of the first literary atlas of Russia is developed, which can be used in the development of national and regional literary atlases. The atlas can be useful not only to specialists in cultural geography, but also to a wide readership, including teachers and students of higher education.

Aim. The purpose of the paper is to identify the main patterns of territorial distribution of military-historical objects in the Kursk region using geoinformation systems.
Methodology. The cartographic method of research using GIS technologies is chosen as the main method, since thematic maps provide a more complete and visual picture of the spatial placement of military-historical objects in the region under study.
Results. Cartographic materials of military graves in the Kursk region were created for the first time. New approaches and methods for preserving the Russian military memorial heritage with the help of modern GIS technologies were developed, which are an important ‘tool’ in the field of accounting for military graves. Using interactive Web GIS, a Web map of military graves of the Kursk region was created, which is an example of visualization of spatial data and the main interface for working with information, which makes the data more accessible to a wide audience of the modern society.
Research implications. The results of the study show that mapping the sites of WWII events using GIS technologies is important in preserving the military-historical heritage as an important factor in the socio-economic development of the Kursk region.