Arctic Development Research Articles

АГРОЛАНДШАФТНО-ЭКОЛОГИЧЕСКОЕ РАЙОНИРОВАНИЕ КОРМОВЫХ ЭКОСИСТЕМ РОССИЙСКОЙ АРКТИКИ

The key principle of the Arctic development should be nature-saving nature management. The agro-landscape-ecological zoning of the Far North fodder ecosystems developed at the V.R. Williams Federal Research Centre for Forage Production and Agroecology is aimed at this very goal. About 90 % of Murmansk District is occupied by reindeer pastures, in some places disturbed as a result of their irrational use by reindeer herders, mining, construction, and transport; the ecological state of the territory is tense. In Yamal District, reindeer pastures occupy 65 % of the area; the ecological state of the ecosystems is tense or even critical in some places. The area of lichen tundras has decreased by 3,5-4 times, total fodder reserves in lichen-moss tundras, in those areas where they are still preserved, have decreased by 3-10 times. The total reserves of green grass fodder and shrubs has decreased by 1.5-2 and 2-8 times, respectively. Desertification of highlands (bare sands occupied about 6 %) and waterlogging of lowland areas is going on. Technogenic impact on tundra ecosystems disturbs soil and vegetation cover, hydrological regime. Waterlogging of lowlands due to thermoerosion is starting. It is necessary to find compromises between economy, ecology, social and national interests.

Концессионное природопользование в Евро-Арктической зоне России в 1920-е годы: эколого-экономический и исторический аспект

The article provides a retrospective analysis of the development of concessions in the European North of Russia, showing their impact on economic development and the state of the environment. The purpose of the research is to study the experience of transferring the raw materials resources of the European north of Russia in concession to foreign entrepreneurs in the 1920s to attract investment in the implementation of projects for proper and economically efficient use of natural resources. The author considers forestry, fishing and fur-trading concessions as the object of the study. Based on the analysis of various published and archival sources the author reveals that the concessionaires, in the interests of obtaining income, violated state laws, including environmental laws. Critical analysis of the activities of foreign concessions creates a scientific basis for the implementation of national economic projects, and gives impetus to the development of domestic environmental science. The results of the study on the use of the experience of concessional environmental management are due to be applied in developing measures to prevent the negative impact of Arctic development on the environment, to attract investments, including foreign ones, to harmonize the interests of business and the local population.

Prospects for the development of the Northern Sea Route after February 2022: An analysis of Russia's policy in the new conditions

This paper aims to evaluate Russian state policy towards the development of the Northern Sea Route with all the political, economic, and financial challenges that followed the war between Russia and Ukraine after February 2022. Much attention has been paid to the new plan of the development of the Northern Sea Route until 2035, adopted by the Government in August 2022 since this is a strategic document serving as a starting point in the analysis of Russia's long-term goals in the Arctic. The analysis shows that the Russian authorities do not want to downgrade the importance and potential of Arctic development, including the Northern Sea Route, although demand for Russian oil and gas is declining except in China and a few other countries, and Russia is having difficulties acquiring essential technologies from developed countries. The Russian Government appears to be more focused on the domestic purpose of the Northern Sea Route, i.e., maintaining the local economy in the Arctic region, including cabotage transportation (shipping between two Russian ports) and northern supply (severnyi zavoz).

Influence of preferential regimes on the Russian Far East development

The purpose of the study is to assess the impact of preferential regimes on the socio-economic development of territories on the example of the Far Eastern regions. We use both quantitative (e.g. regression and correlation analysis, modeling, method of averages, index method, “difference in differences”, factor analysis) and qualitative methods (document analysis, case-study, benchmarking, classification). The creation of preferential regimes, such as the Territory of Advanced Development, Free Port of Vladivostok, Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation, was a key element of the Far East development policy. To manage these preferential regimes a development institution has been created named Corporation for the Far East and the Arctic Development (CFEAD). We carried out the evaluation of the indicators of preferential regimes functioning and the socio-economic development of the Far Eastern regions. We identified the regions where these regimes have a positive impact on economic growth, and estimated the degree of the CFEAD’s assistance to their success. Also we worked out recommendations for optimizing preferential regimes and development institutions activities, which are acceptable both for the regions of the Far Eastern Federal District and in the all-Russian context.

Региональная безопасность в Арктике. Роль РФ и КНР в её укреплении

The authors examine the problems of cooperation between Russia and China in the Arctic, which is becoming an important factor in international relations. Despite the coinciding and divergent interests of the Russian Federation and China in the Arctic, the two states are extremely interested in managing regional security in this region. The object of the study is Russian-Chinese relations in the process of strengthening regional security in the Arctic. The subject is the peculiarities of Russian-Chinese interaction in strengthening regional security in the Arctic. The purpose of the study is to identify contradictions in the Arctic policies of the two countries that will not prevent them from fruitfully co-operating in Arctic development and protecting their national interests. The main research objectives are: to study Russian-Chinese cooperation in strengthening regional security in the Arctic; to identify new opportunities for Russian-Chinese cooperation in strengthening regional security in the Arctic; to analyze threats and challenges to Russian-Chinese cooperation in strengthening regional security in the Arctic. As a result of the research, the authors identify the main ways and forms of strengthening this security, emphasizing the strengthening of its military-strategic component. The authors’ main conclusion is that some contradictions in the Arctic policy of the two countries do not prevent them from fruitful co-operation in the development of the Arctic and the protection of their national interests. Strengthening traditional and non-traditional security in the Arctic is dictated by the need to assert the principle of freedom of navigation, which China insists on. Although the practical implementation of this principle is still far off, it will remain purely theoretical for a long time. However, different interpretations of international legal instruments governing the Arctic policy of states have led to misunderstandings, concerns and disagreements between the two states.

Ecological Aspects of Arctic Development

Ecological Aspects of Arctic Development

The paradoxical policies: Russia's rampant resource quest and the devastating toll on the planet

The Arctic's geopolitical significance and environmental vulnerabilities have sparked global attention. This paper critically analyzes Russia's evolving Arctic policy, which redefines the region as an extension of its domestic territory, emphasizing national interests. This policy shift prioritizes control over the Northern Sea Route, accentuates military fortification, and intertwines environmental rhetoric with resource exploitation. Russia's pursuit of Arctic development juxtaposes its commitment to environmental sustainability, fueling global concerns. Diplomatic rifts within the Arctic Council amplify tensions as Russia navigates a self-serving policy. Examining the Northern Sea Route's economic potential versus environmental impacts highlights the dilemma of increased shipping in ecologically sensitive zones. The militarization of the Arctic, showcased by Russia's bolstered defense measures, challenges regional security dynamics and amplifies diplomatic strains. Russia's policy inadvertently accelerates the collapse of the Arctic cryosphere, posing catastrophic threats from permafrost melting and potential viral pandemics. Furthermore, the paper delves into the environmental and public health repercussions of the conflict in Ukraine, detailing widespread pollution, infrastructural damage, and health crises. The collateral environmental damage from dam destruction exacerbates existing humanitarian concerns. This analysis underscores the intricate interplay between national interests, environmental sustainability, and global ramifications in shaping the Arctic's future.

Перспективы создания сети рыбоводных предприятий в российской Арктике

Fostering aquaculture aligns with key priorities for Arctic development in Russia, encompassing ecosystem sustainability, job creation, Northern import reduction, enhanced nutritional value of local products, support for small businesses, and advancement of high-tech industries. This study aims to determine the best configuration for a new network of Arctic fish farms in the Russian Arctic. To comprehend the potential of Arctic fish farming, the study starts from identifying feasible farm locations based on an analysis of demand in key Arctic settlements. Criteria-based assessments identified Pevek, Sabetta, Dudinka, Tiksi, Tazovsky, Yamburg, Kharasavey, and Khatanga as potential locations. A comparative economic analysis evaluates logistic options for networks featuring three to eight fish farms in conditions of limited infrastructure. The study determines the attending vessel location (Novosibirsk) and the genetic breeding center location (Pevek). Transportation schemes for feed, fry, and breeding material are developed in accordance with production process requirements. The study proposes the Arctic char as the focus of commercial cultivation at the simulated facility. Economic and mathematical modeling is employed to forecast the effects of creating networks in two configurations at the business, regional, and national levels. The findings reveal that a network of three facilities is more profitable for investors, while a network of eight facilities yields greater social significance with higher fiscal, social, and ecological effects. The quantitative estimates provided serve as a foundation for investment decisions in the development of fish farming in the Russian Arctic.

Опыт интродукции овцебыков на остров Завьялова в Тауйской губе северной части Охотского моря

The paper describes the process of the beginning of the formation of a population of musk oxen (ovibos moschatus) on Zavyalov Island, peculiarities of adaptation to one of the southernmost habitats with a high density of brown bear population. The purpose of the musk oxen introduction is connected with the implementation of the Arctic Development Strategy and the search for new opportunities of the national economy. Provided that the minimum impact of predators on the population of Zavyalov Island is ensured, it is necessary to prevent a catastrophic increase in the number, which inevitably leads to a shortage of feed. Thus it will be necessary to relocate excess animals. The introduction of musk oxen corresponds to the tourism development plan, and will also serve as an additional, environmentally safe factor in the economy and food independence of remote territories. At the beginning of autumn 2018, 25 musk oxen were brought to Zavyalov Island; all of them were one year old. On the island, musk oxen were initially kept in paddok. On September 10, 2020, another 25 musk oxen were brought. During the first two years, the sex-age structure depended only on their death. Four (4) individuals survived: two (2) males and two (2) females, the strong predation of the brown bear affected. One of them gave offspring in the third year: one calf appeared. In the fourth year, both females from the first delivery gave birth to a calf. Now the island is optimizing the sex-age structure of the musk ox population. But the main patterns of the formation of the population of musk oxen for other islands won’t work on Zavyalov Island due to relatively high number of brown bears, which does not allow the population to develop in the same way as in other habitats, with a much lower density of this predator. The introduction of musk oxen to Zavyalov Island, with good protection from predators, shows a positive result for the settlement of these animals in other similar territories.

Purification as a tactic of marginalisation in business-community relations: Epistemic dimensions in the exclusion of Indigeneity in Arctic development strategy

This study reveals the tactic of purification as a form of neo-colonial marginalisation present in contemporary development strategies on Indigenous lands. The research is based on my fieldwork study of exclusive tactics in a contemporary development conflict on Indigenous lands: the Arctic Railway project in Sápmi, in Northern Europe. The tactic of purification works through the selective use of opposites in excluding Indigeneity. On the one hand, ‘pure’ Indigeneity is an excuse for proponents of extractive development projects to exclude Indigenous knowledge and identities as ‘too Indigenous’ according to modern standards, denouncing them as ‘backward’, ‘only culture’, ‘not profitable’, or ‘without knowledge’. Yet, simultaneously, a resemblance to profitable livelihood practices, beyond culture, the use of several knowledge systems, and multi-ethnicity in communities, is deemed ‘too modern’, therefore ‘not pure enough’, thus invalidating Indigeneity. Building on classification systems introduced during colonialism, settler societies employ purification as a tactic to deny Indigenous peoples their right to decolonisation projects, and strengthen their control of Indigenous lands. The purification tactic thereby enables the expansion of the modern-colonial capitalist world order.

The Dilemma of Sustainable Development of Russian Arctic Development Based on ANP-SWOT Model Theory Perspective

This study mainly focuses on the development of the Arctic region and the difficulties it faces in the new situation. Finding a suitable development path for low-carbon environmental protection and sustainable development has gradually become the focus of attention in all countries. The secret contest of strength is also becoming increasingly fierce. The escalation of the arms race has virtually made the ambitious Russian Arctic plan more radical. This article will use the “ANP-SWOT” strategic analysis method to reveal the possible damage to the environment of the Arctic region and its unsustainable side behind Russia’s grand development plan in the Arctic region. At the same time, it will list the views and contradictions of the countries in the region for the proposals on the resolution of conflicts, broaden the perspective to the global scope, take the common interests of all mankind as the starting point, combine the views and contradictions of all parties, and put forward proposals that are truly beneficial to the development of the Arctic region, thereby promoting inter-regional cooperation and developing a new Arctic strategy that prioritizes global progress and prosperity.

The Role of Multimodal Transportation in Ensuring Sustainable Territorial Development: Review of Risks and Prospects

The Russian Arctic development is an investment direction, which is planned through a system of so-called “support zones” of various development degrees, it is a priority for Russia and can have a positive effect. Since integrated territorial development is associated with significant cargo flows of raw materials, materials and goods, logistics chains will include various transport modes, which will lead to the development of infrastructure (including the construction and reconstruction of seaports, the network of the railways and roads expansion) and the emergence of new international transport corridors (ITCs). A scientifically based solution to the problems of constructing a delivery route, including the location of transshipment points, logistics terminals and the rolling stock selection, will ensure the sustainable territories development through which ITCs pass. However, these tasks, which constitute the activity of organizing multimodal transportation, are associated with various types of risks, the successful solution of which, in this case, depends on the sustainable territorial development of these territories. Therefore, the research objective is to establish the relationship between the development of transport networks and the development of the Arctic region, the designation of possible prospects for the development of both multimodal transportation as a whole as a strategic event, and the contribution of each kind of transport, as well as the risks of creating and using international transport corridors, including cumulative impact on the environment. As a result of the literature analysis, we have considered the causes and consequences of the improper planning of supply chains and infrastructure, then we have indicated the role of new transport corridors in the development of territories. We have built a tree of problems in order to systematize risk situations and identify root causes and consequences. A method for calculating the cargo delivery time is proposed, taking into account the multimodality of logistics chains as well as measures that help reduce risks.

Проблемы и возможности развития моногородов российской Арктики

Broad context of the dynamics and prospects of Russian Arctic development within the framework of achieving its strategic objectives indicates the magnitude of the tasks, the solution of which consists in the actualization of, firstly, the risks and opportunities for environmental and social responsibility of vertically integrated companies, whose production branches conduct their activities in the Arctic, and, secondly, the supportive role of the state as the regulator of conditions for the development of business initiatives. The aims of the study are to identify significant factors that influence the dynamics of socio-economic development and to determine the prospects for the development of single-industry towns in the Russian Arctic. Research methods include bibliographical, comparative, economic and statistical analysis. The study substantiates the critical factors limiting the development opportunities of single-industry towns in the Russian Arctic. The first group is represented by the state of mineral resource base, which determines natural limits and cyclicality of production activities of city-forming enterprises. The second group is the global crisis phenomena, producing the dependence of production of city-forming enterprises on the external conjuncture of prices for raw materials and main export items. The third group includes risks of fulfilment of budgetary obligations. Taken together, these factors limit the opportunities for economic diversification of single-industry towns in the Russian Arctic and the development of entrepreneurial activity there. It has been revealed that the promising opportunities for the development of single-industry towns in the Russian Arctic are limited by the priority areas of investment activities of vertically integrated companies and imperfect state instruments of development support. The practical significance of the study is determined by the current trajectory of territorial development within the framework of the global strategy for sustainable development of extractive industries of a city-forming nature that takes into account not only risks, but also opportunities.

ТЕРМОДИНАМИЧЕСКАЯ МОДЕЛЬ ЛЕДОВОГО ВОРОТНИКА В ГИДРОТЕХНИЧЕСКОМ СТРОИТЕЛЬСТВЕ

Arctic development is one of the priorities for the country. For this, it is necessary both to develop new normative documentation on standardization and to improve existing norms and standards. The Arctic region is complex in terms of weather and environmental conditions. Environmental loads and actions on hydraulic structures are most important and primarily include impacts from ice. Ice impacts can be of a very different nature and therefore are not fully reflected in the normative documents. The formation of an ice collar is one of the types of freezing on the submerged hydraulic structures. Ice collar is a thicker ice around structure due to the high thermal conduction through the structure. This ice is formed due to the heat flow through the body of the structure and can be calculated. Analytical calculation of the ice collar is difficult to perform, so it is proposed to use a thermodynamic model for numerical simulation.

Russia, the USA and the Arctic. Part 1. Climate changes: economic opportunities and ecological challenges

The article is devoted to the analysis of the primary background issues for the growth of the conflict potential of the US-Russia relations in the Arctic region. The author focuses on the great importance of the region for Russia, paying special attention to the huge reserves of natural resources, as well as the historical context of the Arctic development. He describes the significance of the Northern Sea Route and its role as an energy corridor. In conclusion, the article highlights several environmental problems, primarily climate change and ice melting. Their solution creates common interests for Russia, the United States of America and other Arctic countries.

О теоретических основаниях реализации стратегических императивов развития Российской Арктики

О теоретических основаниях реализации стратегических императивов развития Российской Арктики

Peculiarities of climate change in the Arctic and implications for environmental management

The Arctic is the high-latitude part of the Far North, including the land area and the Arctic Ocean marine environment within the exclusive economic zone of the Russian Federation. The importance of the Arctic issues is due to the fact that in the Russian Federation the formation and scientific rationale of priorities for the development of circumpolar territory are ones of the key objectives of Russia’s economic development. The study of various areas and problems of Arctic development shows the particularly crucial role of geography in the formulation and solution of national economic objectives. The role of geography is becoming increasingly important not only because of the huge impact of the geographical factor in the Far North and the Arctic, but also due to remarkable differentiation of natural and social conditions of economic activity. In recent decades, the natural and socio-economic environment in the Arctic has been undergoing rapid transformation. One example is climate change, which may have an impact on environmental management on a global scale. The purpose of the article is to demonstrate the current trends of climate change based on sources and to identify the impact of these processes on the processes of environmental management.

Российская Арктика в период санкционного давления и геополитической нестабильности

The development of the Arctic region was strongly influenced by the international situation — on February 24, the Russian Federation launched a special military operation in Ukraine. The United States, Great Britain and the EU, as well as several international and regional organizations imposed extended sanctions restrictions against Russia in the fields of politics, economics (transport, finance, trade, defense industry, aviation) and scientific research, which had regional consequences. The article describes the fac-tors that determine the Russian Arctic's development under the collective West sanctions pressure. The interrelation of the state policy and social and economic development of the Arctic regions of Russia during the period of general geopolitical instability is investigated. The study uses the dialectical method, as well as general logical, theoretical and empirical research methods. The study examined the measures taken by the Russian government to ensure sovereignty and economic and technological independence in the Arctic. The conditions for increasing stability in the Arctic zone are also decompounded, a number of proposals that are of the brightest and most pronounced interest for the formation of stability in the region are presented, and the established goals and motives of economic development are outlined. The authors analyzed the geopolitical conditions for the development of the Arctic region today, trying to reflect the intentions of the main Arctic players in the current situation and determine the vectors of their further political decisions. The conclusion is made that it is necessary to increase further efforts on the Arctic track, to strengthen defense and security in the Arctic region. The necessity of creating suitable conditions for the integrated economic development of the Russian Arctic is substantiated.

Туристский вектор развития Карельской Арктики

The article presents an integrated approach to considering the tourism vector of Karelian Arctic development. Six municipalities of the Republic of Karelia, included into the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, have become a model site for the study. Severe natural and climatic North conditions, along with challenges of socio-economic development, actualize the perspective of tourism and recreation, including for the local population. For the first time in the study, the territory of the Karelian Arctic was comprehensively examined from the standpoint of tourist and recreational development. The study analyzes tourist and recreational potential, tourist infrastructure, including infrastructure of accommodation, catering, leisure and recreation, tourist flow and types of tourism; projects of tourist orientation, strategic directions of tourism development in the municipal context. The opinion of the residents of the Karelian Arctic about the tourist and recreational development of the territory is also taken into account, and limitations and current challenges are highlighted. The study reveals the diversity of municipal districts in the Karelian Arctic in terms of tourism and recreational potential, the degree of tourist development of the territory, tourism development opportunities, the constraints. Despite the existing limitations, on the basis of the identified opportunities, the significance of the tourism development vector of the Karelian Arctic is shown as a promising direction of domestic tourism in the Russian North, as well as a tool to restore physical and emotional strength of the local population.

Problems of northern import in the regions of Siberia and ways to solve them

The geographical boundaries of the territory of Siberia and the reference zones of the Arctic development have been clarified. The results of the analysis of natural resources and mineral deposits are presented. In particular, the Yamalo-Nenets zone: gas -66%, oil and condensate - 20% of the all–Russian reserves; Taimyro-Turukhanskaya: coal-77.6, nickel- 71%; North Yakut: antimony mining 100%, diamonds 98%, tin 40%. The development of their and other minerals is relevant in solving the problems of the development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation. Their implementation is largely due to the availability of transport infrastructure in the studied regions and the effectiveness of the organization of Northern delivery. The transport infrastructure is represented by all types of transport. It is most developed in the Yamalo-Nenets zone and less in the North Yakut zone. The development strategy provides for major investment projects. To solve the problems of the effectiveness of the organization of Northern delivery, the developed methodological tools are proposed, which is based on the relevant theoretical