Characteristics of the Ecological Space of Russia: Regional Differences

Abstract

Introduction. The implementation of the principles of sustainable development necessitates the achievement of the best characteristics of the ecological space of the regions, reducing the degree of their differentiation in order to improve the well-being and quality of life of citizens throughout the country. However, at present this is difficult, in particular, due to the lack of a unified methodological approach that would make it possible to obtain an assessment and form a holistic view of the spatial ecological development. The purpose of the article is to assess the characteristics of the ecological space of Russian regions on the basis of the proposed methodological approach and to formulate recommendations for their improvement. Materials and Methods. The information base for the study was the official data of the Government of the Russian Federation, the Federal Service for Supervision of Natural Resources, the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, the portal “National projects of Russiaˮ, the portal “Gosraskhodyˮ, statistical data of the Federal State Statistics Service. To assess the characteristics of the ecological space (irregularity and homogeneity), the authors’ methodological approach is proposed. To implement the approach, a quantitative and qualitative analysis of 1402 contracts concluded in 2020–2022 was carried out in the Russian regions as part of the national project “Ecology” implementation. Results. A significant differentiation of regional parameters characterizing the unevenness and homogeneity of the ecological space has been revealed. Conclusions are drawn about the existence of two directions for the implementation of contracts in the field of environmental development: general, implemented in each region of Russia, specific, implemented in no more than two regions. Proposals are formulated to improve the homogeneity and reduce the unevenness of the ecological space of the Russian Federation. Discussion and Conclusion. The objective presence of supra-spatial factors affecting the ecological space necessitates the activation of joint actions of the regions to improve the corresponding spatial characteristics. The projects implemented by the regions within the framework of the national project “Ecology” should be improved in terms of their greater concentration in areas of ecological development that are problematic for the territories. It is necessary to intensify the development and implementation of interregional projects on similar problems in the field of environmental development. The results of the study will be useful to the executive authorities of the regions of Russia in the development of environmental regional policy, as well as to specialists involved in improving the efficiency of spatial development of territories.