Arctic Research Articles

МОДЕЛИРОВАНИЕ ВЗАИМОДЕЙСТВИЯ ЖЕЛЕЗНОДОРОЖНОГО И МОРСКОГО ТРАНСПОРТА НА ЦИФРОВЫХ ТРАНСПОРТНЫХ КОРИДОРАХ АРКТИЧЕСКИХ РЕГИОНОВ РОССИИ

The opportunity of formation Western transport corridor ensuring connection of the Arctic regions of Russia with powerful areas of the central part of Russia and Republic Belarus is considered. The modeling of process sending cargoes from the senders up to seaport of Murmansk is information-technological base logistic maintenance polymodal transportations with participation of railway and sea types of transport. Reasoned proves to be true, that the digital reconstruction of a functioning transport corridor has highly productive a resource of the current and perspective analysis of a condition of objects infrastructure and rolling-stock on all a direction of following cargo. It is marked, that the high throughput of means overload of cargoes in seaports is go-ahead reference point of smooth work of a sea transport way. Visually prototyped the three-dimensional image of a transport corridor is an operative model platform of search both realization of the effective design and administrative decisions ensuring most complete and rational use of all cash resources of railway and sea transport on a direction of transportations.

ОБ ИЗДАНИИ МОНОГРАФИИ «ФОРМИРОВАНИЕ МЕХАНИЗМА УПРАВЛЕНИЯ ЭКОНОМИКОЙ АРКТИЧЕСКИХ РЕГИОНОВ»

The publication is a review of the monograph «Formation of the mechanism of economic management of the arctic regions» created under the editorship of the Doctor of Economics, professor Viktor Fomich Bogachev. This monograph is a significant contribution to the study of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation.

АКТУАЛЬНЫЕ ВОПРОСЫ РАЗВИТИЯ АРКТИЧЕСКОЙ ЗОНЫ РОССИЙСКОЙ ФЕДЕРАЦИИ

The article examines the current issues of uneven socio-economic development of the regions of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation and proposes a number of measures aimed at solving them, in particular, the creation of Arctic interindustry balances, strengthening control over the expenditure of financial resources as a factor in the accelerated development of the Arctic region, establishing the procedure for the functioning of non-residents in the Russian Arctic, uniting companies into ecosystems.

СОВРЕМЕННЫЕ ТРЕНДЫ В СТРУКТУРНОЙ ТРАНСФОРМАЦИИ ЭКОНОМИКИ АРКТИЧЕСКИХ РЕГИОНОВ

The Arctic zone of the Russian Federation (AZRF) has attracted close attention in recent years from specialists in the field of economics and management, since this unique macro-region according to a number of indicators (geographical extent, large differences in territory, population, production potential, etc.) is of particular interest for the study of the principles and methods of interregional integration. The article substantiates the feasibility and timeliness of carrying out an economy’s structural transformation of the Arctic regions based on the use of the methodology of international standards for quality management systems widely used in the practice of forming organizational structures of large corporations. This principle is proposed to be used in the process of transforming regional economic management systems within the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation.

СПЕЦИФИКА СОВРЕМЕННЫХ СОЦИАЛЬНО-ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКИХ ПРОЦЕССОВ И ЭКОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ ПРОБЛЕМ РЕГИОНОВ АЗРФ

The article summarizes and analyzes three fundamental documents on the development of the Arctic: 1) Spatial Development Strategy of the Russian Federation; 2) Strategy for the development of the Arctic zone of Russia and ensuring national security for the period until 2035 (author’s participation); 3) State program for the socio-economic development of the Arctic zone. Ensuring sustainable development and spatial connectivity of the Arctic regions necessitates the development of a new Strategy for the sustainable development of the Arctic macroregion of Russia, taking into account the development and practical application of effective organizational, economic and administrative mechanisms for the implementation of state policy for the development of the Russian Arctic. The strategy should be based on three conceptual blocks: integrated development of the territory, cultural policy and cluster approach. At the same time, it is important to make the strategy flexible, taking into account the element of rolling planning, and to provide a balance of interests between two compatible triads: socio-ecological-economic factors and between government-business-society

РАЗВИТИЕ ГРАЖДАНСКОЙ АВИАЦИИ В РЕГИОНАХ КРАЙНЕГО СЕВЕРА С ПОЗИЦИИ ГЕОСТРАТЕГИЧЕСКОГО ПОДХОДА К РЕШЕНИЮ ЗАДАЧИ ПРОСТРАНСТВЕННОГО РАЗВИТИЯ СТРАНЫ

The development and development of the Arctic regions is largely connected with the determination of ways to achieve the strategic goals of the state through the development of the resource and logistics base of the country’s economy. The positive result is inextricably linked with the development of the transport industry, which contributes to increasing transport accessibility in the northern regions. The paper focuses on solving the problem of developing indicators reflecting transport accessibility in the region both in relation to the volume and return on investment, and allowing to develop and make management decisions in this area. The existing approaches determining the formation of the Arctic transport system are complemented by a geostrategic approach, which includes solutions to a number of tasks: effective development of new spaces of economic and social development; equalization of economic disparities between regions; ensuring the interests of the national and economic security of the country. From the position of this approach, the analysis of air transport in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation and the analysis of regional strategic documents were carried out, which made it possible to supplement the existing description of the constraints on the development of the air transportation system. The paper also pays attention to the environmental aspect of air transport activities.

Numerical Investigation on Intermittent Maximum Ice Accretion and Aerodynamic Performances of RG-15 Aerofoil at Low Reynolds Number

Ice accretion is inevitable on fix-wing UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) when they are applied to surveillance and mapping over colder climates and arctic regions. Subsequent aerodynamic profile changes have caused the current interest in the better prediction of the effect of icing shapes/sizes/distribution patterns on the aerodynamic performances of an aircraft. This study employs a numerical model which investigates the RG-15 aerofoil’s response to various icing scenarios at a Reynolds number of Re=2×105. Under icing conditions, compared to a clean aerofoil, a reduction in the lift coefficient and an increase in the drag coefficient are observed. Lower temperatures and reduced liquid water content lead to a decrease in the maximum thickness of ice accretion on the RG-15 aerofoil. Particularly noteworthy is the 10.85% reduction in the lift coefficient at a 10° angle of attack, which is in the icing condition at −10 °C with a mean volume diameter of 15 μm. Power consumption increases in the range of 0.46% to 26.5% under various icing conditions, showing synchronization with the rise in drag coefficient. This study underscores the need for future research to investigate various cloud conditions comprehensively and deeply in the context of aerofoil icing.

Living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or type 2 diabetes in Greenland – a qualitative interpretive description study

ABSTRACT Non-communicable diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) represent major challenges for health systems all over the world. In an interview study, we explored patient experiences and perspectives of being diagnosed and living with COPD or T2D in Greenland. Participants (n = 24) were selected by purposeful sampling and recruited by phone. We conducted individual semi-structured interviews at the National Hospital in Nuuk and the four regional hospitals. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using interpretive description. Three themes emerged: shock and shame on receiving the diagnosis, coping with a changed life, and varying needs for care and communication. We found that being diagnosed with COPD or T2D required a rapid change in the participants’ everyday lives and lifestyle behaviours. Some self-managed their disease well and were able to transfer their knowledge and integrate it into their daily lives, while others struggled to make lifestyle changes. Additionally, living with COPD or T2D could be related to silence and shame. The findings contribute to a better understanding of living with COPD or T2D in the Arctic region and the development of future, culturally-adapted patient education initiatives.

Marine carbohydrates in Arctic aerosol particles and fog – diversity of oceanic sources and atmospheric transformations

Abstract. Carbohydrates, originating from marine microorganisms, enter the atmosphere as part of sea spray aerosol (SSA) and can influence fog and cloud microphysics as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) or ice-nucleating particles (INP). Particularly in the remote Arctic region, significant knowledge gaps persist about the sources, the sea-to-air transfer mechanisms, atmospheric concentrations, and processing of this substantial organic group. In this ship-based field study conducted from May to July 2017 in the Fram Strait, Barents Sea, and central Arctic Ocean, we investigated the sea-to-air transfer of marine combined carbohydrates (CCHO) from concerted measurements of the bulk seawater, the sea surface microlayer (SML), aerosol particles and fog. Our results reveal a wide range of CCHO concentrations in seawater (22–1070 µg L−1), with notable variations among different sea-ice-related sea surface compartments. Enrichment factors in the sea surface microlayer (SML) relative to bulk water exhibited variability in both dissolved (0.4–16) and particulate (0.4–49) phases, with the highest values in the marginal ice zone (MIZ) and aged melt ponds. In the atmosphere, CCHO was detected in super- and submicron aerosol particles (CCHOaer,super: 0.07–2.1 ng m−3; CCHOaer,sub: 0.26–4.4 ng m−3) and fog water (CCHOfog,liquid: 18–22 000 µg L−1; CCHOfog,atmos: 3–4300 ng m−3). Enrichment factors for sea–air transfer varied based on assumed oceanic emission sources. Furthermore, we observed rapid atmospheric aging of CCHO, indicating both biological/enzymatic processes and abiotic degradation. This study highlights the diverse marine emission sources in the Arctic Ocean and the atmospheric processes shaping the chemical composition of aerosol particles and fog.

Кластерный анализ арктических поселений Якутии с позиции концепции резильентности

Shifting the focus from the anti-crisis agenda to the tasks of contributing to the achievement of national goals in the Arctic requires the development of new approaches to the implementation of state policy in these territories of the Russian Federation, taking into account modern trends: reconfiguring relations with the vector to the East and reorienting to the development of anchor settlements as geostrategic points of Russia. In modern realities, priorities have been set – the development of the Northern Sea Route and mineral resource centers, the im-plementation of economic and infrastructure projects, and the creation of a new Arctic economy. New ap-proaches are also required to “fine-tune” the tools to increase/ensure the sustainability of the economic sys-tems of strategically important Arctic regions. In this regard, an assessment of the socio-economic develop-ment of the municipal districts of the Arctic zone of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) using cluster analysis is given. In the article it is considered by the authors as an effective tool of “pre-planning” and one of the tools for selecting potential candidate settlements for inclusion in the list of strategic territories of the Arctic, which is es-pecially relevant in the light of the forthcoming development by the executive authorities of master plans for the development of reference settlements of the Arctic zone of Russia and comprehensive plans for socio-economic development until 2035.

A Comparison of Estimated and Actual Indicators of Flood Damage on the Yana River in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia)

In 2022, Verkhoyansky District of Yakutia experienced the largest flood of the regional scale, affecting 1,220 people and with the cost of emergency recovery work amounting to RUB 160.2 million. For the Arctic regions, the consequences of natural disasters are felt several times more acutely, due to the natural and geographical peculiarities and the duration of the process of restoration of the disturbed ecosystem. Protection of the population and territories of the Arctic is one of the priority tasks of the state policy of Russia. The article assesses the flood hazard on the Yana River. Based on the analysis of historical elevations at hydrological posts, hydrological characteristics of the water body, determination of maximum levels, water discharge of the river, and basic hydrological calculations, the area of flooded territory of settlements in Verkhoyansky District of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) under the percentage availability is determined, and a map of flood zones is drawn up. Using the cadastral value of lands falling into the flood zone, the index of forecast economic damage is determined in order to preliminarily determine the scale of flooding; to carry out preventive measures for preparation, protection of the population, socially important objects, buildings and structures; to plan the amount of financial resources required for rescue operations and for liquidation of the consequences of emergency situations. A comparison and an analysis of actual and estimated damage indicators are given. A strong disproportion in the actual and calculated indicators of economic damage is proved.

Процессы трансформации международного Арктического региона: новые геополитические контуры

The article attempts to analyse the international Arctic region during the period from the end of the Cold War to the present. In this timespan, the author identifies two main stages, which differ in the logic of building relations between the regional powers. Special attention is paid to the transformation of the theoretical approaches to the concept of region, characterized by a shift in emphasis from the territorial principle, which defines a region as a specific territory, to the spatial principle, based on functional features. This allows us to explain the processes that took place in the Arctic after the end of the Cold War, when a global region started to form on this territory. In addition, the article highlights the uniqueness of the Arctic due to the impact of rapid climate change on the region’s geopolitical position. The paper analyses the reasons for the change in the logic of the development of international processes in the Arctic from the idea of a global region with intensive international cooperation to confrontation. The author inclines to interpret the main reason for it through the prism of a systematic approach: as a result of the rearrangement of elements in the system of international relations due to the emergence of new poles of power, disagreements with the world hegemon arise, which leads to a redistribution of power. Another specific feature of the international relations in the Arctic is the configuration of regional players, when seven countries create a counterbalance to one Arctic power. This is clearly demonstrated through NATO’s activities in the region and the blocking of Russia’s participation in all forms of regional cooperation. The Arctic countries’ continued reluctance to collaboratе with Russia in the same way as before can also be explained by their growing state egoism.

A spatial analysis of intra-regional transport accessibility using the GIS network analysis: the case of Anabar and Nizhnekolymsky districts)

A spatial analysis of intra-regional transport accessibility of settlements in the Arctic districts of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) by GIS is an urgent task and can become a necessary support for the processes of decision-making and planning of sustainable development of these territories. The purpose of the study is to perform a spatial analysis of intra– regional transport accessibility of settlements in remote Arctic regions of Yakutia on the example of Anabarsky and Nizhnekolymsky districts. On the basis of the GIS network analysis and calculated coefficients of density of the transport network, the assessment of transport accessibility of the study areas according to winter and summer scenarios was carried out. The automobile and river networks were built on the basis of data from open cartographic sources: OpenStreetMaps and Google Earth Engine, the atlas of highways of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia). On the basis of satellite images of Landsat 5, 8 and Sentinel 2, non-official (informal) roads that play an important role in communications between settlements were decrypted and digitized. QGIS and ArcGIS programs were used to perform network analysis and build a map of time availability of the settlements using isochronous method. The created maps clearly show the availability of settlements by time interval. The conducted research made it possible to determine that remote sensing and geoinformation systems are key tools for a spatial analysis of transport infrastructure. Using this tools, it is possible to conduct network analysis of various levels of complexity, as well as build graphs of the transport network, greatly simplifying the counting procedure. The paper tested a method that allows to identify unofficial roads in the Arctic, and the presented methods of GIS analysis and modeling that can be used for further deeper network analytics and graph theory to improve the methodology for studying the transport accessibility of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia).

Управление основными фондами в контексте обеспечения финансовой безопасности регионов Севера и Арктики Российской Федерации

This study explores the management of fixed assets in the context of ensuring financial security for sustainable development in the North and Arctic regions of Russia. Its findings can be used by both regional authorities and business entities to formulate effective policies for managing fixed assets. Focusing on the degree of wear as a key indicatorn of the state of fixed assets in the North and Arctic regions of Russia, the article establishes that there are both longstanding systemic issues and emerging threats to economic security in this domain. An analysis of fixed assets depreciation since 2010 shows that many of Russia’s North and Arctic regions have long been demonstrating critical depreciation values. Further examination uncovers a more complex situation than anticipated. Modern threats, such as the global challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and the geopolitical tensions leading to sanctioning practices and loss of market access to technologies, add another layer of complexity. To mitigate these threats, the study recommends implementing a comprehensive fixed assets management policy, developing incentive programs for timely fixed assets modernization and renewal, and designing import substitution policies. This approach aims to unlock the financial and economic potential of Russia’s North and Arctic regions, ensuring a high level of economic security in fixed assets management.

Измерение уровня устойчивости технологического развития производственных систем (на примере промышленности североарктических регионов)

Sustainable development stands as the principal paradigm for global economic progress in the 21st century. However, the challenge of measuring the sustainability of economic systems across various types and levels persists. This study introduces a novel methodological approach to assessing the sustainability levels of production systems. The objective is to substantiate a method for quantifying the sustainability of production systems. Building upon a previously devised graphical model depicting the life cycle of technological development in production, the proposed method involves scoring the sustainability of production systems at different hierarchy levels (manufacturers, industries, production types). The resulting sustainability index enables making comparisons across different periods and entities. Practical implementation of the proposed method is demonstrated through a twelve-year analysis of three major companies operating in the North and the Arctic (Alrosa, Novatek, and Norilsk Nickel) and the Kola Mining and Metallurgical Company, a subsidiary of Norilsk Nickel. Additionally, a fifteen-year analysis of industrial production by type in four Russian Arctic regions is presented. Calculations reveal a generally low level of sustainability across all analyzed entities. The study identifies the cyclical nature of technological development in manufacturing enterprises as a significant influence on sustainability levels. Accounting for this factor in sustainability assessments will equip authorities and corporate managers in the Arctic regions to make more informed strategic decisions.

A Case Study of the Short-Term Development of Body Composition and Substrate Utilization Following Prolonged Low-Intensity Ski Trekking with Inadequate Energy Intake in Svalbard

This case study aimed to examine the short-term development of body composition and substrate utilization (i.e., contribution of fat and carbohydrates to energy supply) following prolonged low-intensity ski trekking (LIST) with inadequate energy intake in an Arctic region. For 23 days, two highly aerobically fit, male recreational athletes (24 and 26 years) performed ~2 – 11 hours of LIST each day, while pulling supply sledges (initially ~80 kg) across the length of Svalbard’s largest island, Spitsbergen (~640 km). We estimated body composition using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). For evaluation of substrate utilization, we analyzed pulmonary respiratory gas-exchange ratio (RER) using an ergospirometry system during treadmill trekking (ski trekking simulation). Results indicated that the energy intake of each participant during this unsupported expedition was ~21.4 MJ·day-1 (~5107 kcal·day-1), of which ~33% (~5.0 g·kg-1·day-1), ~51% (~3.4 g·kg-1·day-1), and ~16% (~2.4 g·kg-1·day-1) came from carbohydrates, fat, and proteins, respectively. Body mass decreased by 7.2 kg (8.4%) in Subject A, and 4.4 kg (5.2%) in Subject B. Absolute fat mass decreased by 5.4 kg (37%) and 4.7 kg (30%) in Subject A and Subject B, respectively, whereas the changes in fat-free mass (–1.8 kg in Subject A, and +0.3 kg in Subject B) were within the random measurement error of the BIA analyser. Changes in RER in Subject A (–0.01 to –0.02 units) were within the random measurement error, whereas the RER data in Subject B were not interpretable due to excessive fluctuations in ventilatory equivalent for oxygen. In conclusion, this study indicates that short-term, prolonged LIST, performed with an energy deficit corresponding to a weight loss of ~2 kg·week-1, can lead to leaner body composition without notable changes in fat-free mass in well-trained, male recreational athletes. Furthermore, substrate utilization does not appear to be affected by short-term, prolonged LIST in this subgroup of athletes.

Перспективы технологического развития нефтесервиса для освоения нефтегазовых месторождений арктического Севера

The article discusses the key challenges associated with the economic development of the oilfield service industry within the climatic, geological, and infrastructural conditions of the Arctic. The evaluation of the Arctic's contribution to the total hydrocarbon production in Russia is an important research problem, which is particularly relevant amidst the current international political tensions. The study aims to unveil aspects of research and development (R&D) prospects of oilfield services in Russia's Arctic regions and adjacent territories. The research identifies characteristic features of economic development associated with economic activity risks. These include infrastructure and technological constraints linked to the distance from federal R&D and industrial centers; insufficient financial resources and experience for large project implementation by local authorities; the intricacy and labor intensity of work, coupled with a shortage of specialists possessing the necessary skills. The study establishes that the complexity of developing Arctic oil and gas fields is mitigated by the application of innovations and highlights the vulnerability of domestic companies to import supplies, which are currently inaccessible due to Western sanctions. The results presented offer a comprehensive view of the promising facets of the innovation-driven and technological development of the oilfield services industry in the Arctic. They propose specific measures geared towards enhancing production efficiency in the oil and gas and oilfield services sectors for implementation by the government. The study's conclusions constitute its scientific novelty and affirm that the sector under consideration is characterized by the following aspects: 1) the demanding nature of work necessitating substantial financial assets and professional competencies of often scarce labor market participants, alongside the utilization of innovative technologies to curtail production costs; and 2) a constrained pool of oil and gas market participants diminishing competition in the oilfield services market and enabling vertically integrated oil companies to dictate prices to service organizations, thus limiting opportunities for the industry's innovation-driven and technological development. The study's conclusions hold significant practical potential and are recommended for incorporation into territorial, regional, and federal programs for the social and economic development of Arctic regions. These findings contribute to the innovation-driven and technological revitalization of the oilfield services industry, an integral element in developing the resource base of Northern territories. Additionally, they provide avenues for further scientific exploration, delving into logistic, financial, technological, corporate, and other economic aspects specific to participants in forthcoming development processes.

Enhanced ocean deoxygenation in the Bering Sea during MIS 11c

Accelerated Arctic warming has raised concerns about future environmental conditions in the Bering Sea, one of the world's most productive marine ecosystems. Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 11 (424–374 ka), a period with orbital parameters similar to those of the current interglacial (Holocene), is thought to be a suitable analog to predict future marine environments. Here, we reconstruct paleoredox changes in the Bering Sea over the last 800 kyr using high-resolution U/Th ratios from four sites, which were sampled by the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) Expedition 323. During the early stages of MIS 11 (MIS11c), four IODP Expedition 323 sites (U1339, U1340, U1343, and U1345) with different water depths (1100–1900 m) had highly elevated U/Th ratios, indicating a substantial loss of dissolved oxygen (O2) in the intermediate waters of the Bering Sea. High U/Th ratios were closely associated with extremely high %biogenic opal in the Bering Sea and an exceptionally warm Arctic climate. We speculate that during this period, the highest amplitude deglacial warming led to the onset of a super interglacial (MIS 11c) in the Arctic regions, via Arctic amplification. The exceptionally warm Arctic climate resulted in particularly high export productivity in the Bering Sea via physiological effects, a reduction in sea ice, and increased river discharge. Due to high productivity, increased organic matter degradation caused severe hypoxia in the intermediate waters of the Bering Sea. Our study shows that severe hypoxia may also appear in the Bering Sea if Arctic warming accelerates in the future.

Физическая доступность лекарственных средств в арктических районах Республики Саха (Якутия)

Access to medicines is intrinsically linked to fundamental human rights to health and life. The need to make medicines more accessible is articulated in strategic planning documents, including the Strategy for the Development of the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation and National Security until 2035. Enacted in 2023, the law "On the Deliveries of Goods to the Northern Territories" aims to address the situation regarding access to medicines in the Russian Arctic. This study aims to provide a rationale for a set of government regulation mechanisms aimed at improving access to medicines in the region. Guided by axiological principles, the study employs analysis and synthesis, systems analysis, structural analysis, mathematical tools, and statistical analysis. The study utilizes data from official statistics reports, the National Register of Medicines, archives run by the Ministry of Health of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia), and local pharmacies. This research contributes to the scientific discourse on social policy issues in Arctic regions, focusing on the unique binary status of pharmaceutical companies caused by the ambiguous roles played by healthcare and federal authorities. Using Yakutia as a case study, the article sheds light on the current situation with access to medicines in regions traditionally populated by indigenous peoples. The analysis of the pharmaceutical market in Yakutia and its Arctic districts from 2009 to 2023 reveals both general positive trends in healthcare and the low effectiveness of existing measures, necessitating a clearer definition of government participation forms. The study gives additional proposals in this domain. Due to the ultidimensionality of interdependent yet separate public (healthcare) and private (pharmacies) sectors, further research can be done into ways to improve the quality of life of the local population in the context of economic and social inequality.

Оценка водопользования северных регионов России по критериям устойчивого развития

Progress toward achieving SDG 6 ("Clean Water and Sanitation") is monitored by means of thirteen global indicators. However, insufficient data from countries, including Russia, underscore the need to assess regional water supply as well as its effective and sustainable use. This study aims to comparatively assess water use in northern regions based on UN-defined sustainable development criteria, utilizing information from Rosstat, The National Information Agency "Natural Resources", and the FAO's Global Information System for the period from 2007 to 2020. The study is based on statistical and comparative analyses, the Decoupling Diamond model, and sustainability window (SuWi) analysis. Its findings indicate high water availability across all regions, aligning with the "low water stress" category under SDG 6.4.2 (threshold ≤25%). The Falkenmark water index shows that water availability doesn't hinder economic growth in northern regions. Regional variations in water use across industries are discussed, which impact productivity (SDG indicator 6.4.1) and water intake intensity (water capacity of GRP). Water use productivity highlights the efficiency of recycled water, reducing intake and increasing productivity. Regions with low intake intensity (below 1.4 m3/thousand rubles, which is the target according to the Water Strategy) and high water capacity of the gross product were identified. Using the Decoupling Diamond model, the study assessed economic growth as a function of water use. The sustainability window method revealed environmental constraints on economic growth related to water use in northern regions. These results offer insights into water use in Arctic regions in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals and Water Strategy implementation. They are essential considerations for regional development programs.