Aim. We assess the risks associated with abrasion processes on the coast of the South-Western Crimea on the basis of ground-based and multi-temporal remote data.

Methodology. The dynamics of the water’s edge lines and the edge of the coastal ledges for the period from 2009 to 2019 is analyzed using the data from space and aerial photographs. The physical risk of land loss is assessed on the basis of data on the rate of retreat of the coastline and its indentation. The specific risk indicator takes into account not only the speed of the process development, but also the width of the beach and the length of the sector.

Results. The paper presents the results of the assessment of the abrasion hazard of the South- Western Crimea. The coastal zone of the South-Western Crimea from Cape Sarych to Cape Tyubek with a length of 92 km is considered. Data are obtained on the granulometric composition of beach sediments, the width of the beach and abrasion scarp, and their dynamics for the period from 2009 to 2019. The granulometric composition is dominated by beaches composed of sand and pebble deposits (40%), and less accounted for by pebble and boulder beaches (35%). The minimum (less than 0.5 m) width of the beach is characteristic of abrasion coasts in the area from Cape Khersones to Cape Aya, while the maximum (up to 110 m) width is in the estuarine zone of the Kacha and Belbek rivers. The assessment of the physical and specific risk of land loss is calculated based on the average rates of coastal retreat, the position of the coastline (exposure, indentation), geological and geomorphological features, and the degree of development of the coast. Areas with significant indicators (>0.1 m²/year) of the physical risk of abrasion occupy 29% of the entire coastline of the city of Sevastopol.

Research implications. The theoretical and/or practical significance of the obtained results lies in a differentiated approach to coastal zone management, taking into account the degree of risk and the development of territorial development plans.

Aim. We determine the nature and formation conditions of the Yenisei river left-bank terrace deposits of the Krasnoyarsk forest-steppe, based on the general characteristics and features of the macromorphological structure analysis of the 6-meter section. We also establish the type of modern soil formation and signs of the soil formation process in earlier eras.
Methodology. A detailed morphological study of the Yenisei river left-bank terrace section is performed at the archaeological site of Afontova Gora V (Krasnoyarsk forest-steppe). An analysis of the obtained characteristics is carried out; the features of the morphology (color and coloration, humidity, composition, structure, gran-size composition, porosity, units, inclusions, and character of horizon transition) of the Pleistocene sediments and the factors (ratio of heat and moisture, permafrost processes, activity of temporary and permanent watercourses, and nature of parent rocks) that influenced its formation are identified; and the type of modern soil is determined. Use is made of morphological and comparative descriptive methods.
Results. We have established the formation of modern soil [ordinary chernozem (black soil)] and the presence of three underdeveloped buried soil profiles. The development of solifluction processes at a depth of 484–500 cm and the presence of permafrost wedges from a depth of 546 cm indicate waterlogging of the territory and permafrost processes in past eras. The shallow subhorizontal layering at depths of 266–280 cm and 398–416 cm and small pebbles at a depth of 546 cm testify to the activity of temporary or weak permanent watercourses. Gleys are observed in the section from a depth of 164 cm, and new formations of carbonates are identified (from a depth of 55 cm). The grain-size composition varies from fine sand to heavy clay loam, the parent rocks of the modern soil are represented by loess-like loam, and the underlying rocks are red-brown middle clay loam.
Research implications. The results of the study of the section morphological properties show that the section was formed on a red-brown medium loam (redeposited Devonian material). Modern soil formation proceeds according to the type of ordinary chernozems; buried soils are underdeveloped. Solifluction processes and permafrost wedges formed in late Sartan time are revealed. 

The action of temporary or weak permanent watercourses is established. A detailed morphological description of the section at the Afontova Gora-V site is of practical importance for archaeological research, as well as for the formation of a database of territories suitable for scientific tourism.

Aim. We analyze conditions for the development of erosion processes in volcanic landscapes under mechanical disturbances caused by spontaneous tourism in one of the territories of the “Volcanoes of Kamchatka” included in the list of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites.

Methodology. Cartographic materials, remote sensing data and scientific publications on the territory in question are analyzed before proceeding with field studies within the Ushkovsky Valley. The morphometric features of the territory and the morphological structure of the landscapes of the Klyuchevskoy Nature Park are respectively assessed and analyzed using the SRTM digital relief model and the archive of remote sensing data of the US Geological Survey. Field studies of erosive landforms are performed in areas with the greatest tourist load.

Results. At the desk stage, a hypothesis is formulated about the presence of permafrost rocks, which is evidenced by morphological features, such as lake basins of rounded shape that are genetically similar to thermokarst lakes. In the field routes, the presence of permafrost rocks in the sides of linear erosion forms is established, which indicates their thermoerosion origin and the extremely high vulnerability of volcanic landscapes with an ice component to mechanical disturbances. Based on the results of the analysis, nature protection measures are proposed for gully-eroded roadside areas.

Research implications. The results of the study can be used to plan measures to protect the nature of volcanic landscapes and to justify management decisions for minimizing environmental risks caused by spontaneous tourism.

Aim. We report the development of a scheme for theriogeographical zoning of the Eastern Sayan highlands.
Procedure and methods. Based on the generalization of the accumulated materials and available literary sources on the distribution and ecology of mammals on the territory of the Eastern Sayan, we have performed a theriogeographical zoning of the territory. The species composition and distribution of small mammals in the Eastern Sayan have been identified using standard methods of counting, with trapping grooves 20 m long with two cones and crushing dies set pointwise or in a line with an interval of 5 m. Large (ungulates, predators) and secretly living species of mammals have been counted using visual observations; the area has been examined to identify traces of their vital activity; Bushnell, KeepGuard, and Reconyx camera traps have been used; hunters have been interviewed; and data have been processed using winter route counts (WRCs). In the process of zoning, we have used data on the ranges of 78 species of mammals belonging to 6 orders. To determine the degree of similarity of mammalian communities in terms of species composition, use has been made of the Jaccard index.
Results. Six theriogeographical regions are identified, differing in area and species diversity. The greatest diversity is characteristic of areas that act as zoogeographical barriers between the western taiga and eastern taiga faunas and between the Central Asian steppe and eastern taiga faunas. The smallest species diversity is characteristic of inland regions, where species located on the periphery of their ranges do not penetrate. The heterogeneity of the theriofauna and the change in species diversity in the longitudinal and latitudinal directions indicate complex historical processes of settlement in the highlands. Significant elongation of the Eastern Sayan from northwest to southeast, and high diversity and mosaic nature of landscapes, along with the historical features of the formation of ecosystems and their components, determine the complex structure of the fauna and the heterogeneous nature of its constituent elements. Theoretical and/or practical significance. Theriogeographical zoning makes it possible to reveal similarities and differences in the constituent faunas, as well as the modern distribution of mammals in the conditions of a complex dissected mountainous relief and altitudinal zonality of the Eastern Sayan. The results of zoning can be used in the formation of environmental policy in the transboundary region.

Aim. We assess the readiness of the population to the separate collection of waste. Methodology. A socio-ecological survey is conducted by the method of sociological research and the method of collection of primary information through a questionnaire of respondents. Use is also made of the methods of statistical analysis of sociological data. The readiness of the population to introduce separate collection of waste is assessed.

Results. The analysis of the performed survey of respondents reveals strengths and weaknesses in the management system for solid municipal waste in Russia, Moldova and Kyrgyzstan. The factors that positively and negatively affect the readiness of the population for separate collection of garbage are identified. The results of the socio-environmental survey in general indicate the readiness of the population to introduce selective waste collection.

Research implications. The results can be used in the development of regional and municipal waste management programs, including with solid municipal waste. Recommendations are out-lined for the implementation of separate waste collection.

Aim. We obtain indicators of the specific water intensity of gross domestic product (GDP) in the Russian Federation and its federal districts and summarize the results of the “Water Strategy of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2020”.
Methodology. The paper examines the specific water intensity of GDP and gross regional product (GRP) as an indicator of the economic efficiency of water consumption in Russia. The planned result of the indicator signed by the president in 2009 is compared with the actual results and successes of the federal districts of the Russian Federation, and the most water-intensive sectors of the economy are also considered. The research relies on such methods as calculation of the specific water intensity of GDP and analysis of literary and statistical sources (catchments anddatabases of the UAIS GMVO and Rosstat).
Results. It is found out that the indicators of the specific water intensity of the GDP of the Russian Federation decreased throughout the time period of the “Water Strategy of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2020”. The target result is 1.4 m3 / thousand rubles. It was achieved ahead of the schedule in 2012 and continued to decline up to 0.71 m3 / thousand rubles in 2020, which is almost a two-fold over-fulfillment of the plan. This result was achieved by the joint efforts of all federal districts of Russia thanks to the modernization and efficient use of the water management complex. All eight federal districts completed the “Water Strategy of the Russian Federation until 2020” with a positive result, showing a reduction in the specific water intensity of gross regional product (GRP) up to 48%. The most water-intensive industries were “Production and distribution of electricity, gas and water”, “Fishing, fish farming” and “Agriculture, hunting and forestry”.
Research implications. The analysis of the indicator of the specific water intensity of GDP shows whether the measures taken in the “Water Strategy of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2020” are effective. The analysis of the water intensity of economic sectors reveals their most water-intensive sectors of the economy, and the analysis of the specific water intensity of GRP identifies federal districts with insufficiently efficient water use. This is an important stage for the subsequent solution of the tasks of modernization of the water management complex of the Russian Federation.

Aim. We assess the directions and dynamics of energy transition in the electric power industry of some foreign countries, based on the tasks to be solved in the process of energy transition in the Russian electric power industry.

Methodology. Using the program-target method, we model target structures (construction of strategic maps) of the development of the world electric power industry and the German electric power industry in accordance with the goals of the “Sustainable Development Agenda” of the United Nations. Use is also made of a comparative descriptive method to analyze the compliance of the results of energy transition in the electric power industry of individual countries with such criteria as price, physical accessibility, reliability of electricity supply, appropriate renewability and energy efficiency, which were set at the global level.

Results. We revealed some features of energy transition in the power industry of a number of leading industrial countries, including positive (specific fuel consumption reduction, decrease in negative impact on the environment of traditional power industry, and optimal use of wind and solar energy) and negative features (groundless refusal to develop traditional energy, with its degradation and disruption of the system in power supply; hypertrophied development of wind and solar energy despite the multiple increase in the cost of electricity generation; and unreliability and lack of self-sufficiency of such sources in specific natural and geographical locations). This confirms the validity of the choice of the main directions in energy transition in Russia, associated with the predominant development of nuclear energy, where proper scientific and practical groundwork is provided, a high level of reliability and safety is achieved, and a closed (renewable) fuel cycle is mastered.

Research implications. Attention is drawn to specific features of energy transition in individual countries that should be taken into account it in the Russian electric power industry.

Aim. Historical and cultural resources of the area for tourism purposes are evaluated. Methodology. Along with the cultural values of any country, historical and cultural resources are fundamental factors proving their historicalness and antiquity. Cultural tourism is one of the most preferable types of tourism in recent years because it has no seasonal character and meets tourists’ demand in all seasons. Any tourist visiting the country is willing to get acquainted with its history, antiquity and architectural samples.
The paper relies on historical methods, field investigations, comparative analysis, cartographic and other techniques.
Results. It is feasible to come across several historical and cultural resources in the GanjaGazakh economic-geographical region. They include archaeological, architectural and numerous religious monuments. Even among religious monuments, it is possible to encounter not only Islamic monuments but also examples of other religions. This situation, in turn, makes it substantial to use such facilities during the preparation of several tourist routes in the region. Moreover, the preservation of the cultural values belonging to other nations to this day in the economic-geographical region and the survival of their settlements pave the way for the development of ethno-tourism.
Research implications. Some existing historical and architectural examples are scrutinized in the economic-geographical region. Among them, the resources in the original condition are identified and ideas for the development of routes are presented. In this case, the use of international experience plays an important role.