Ecological aspect of sustainable development of high-mountain regions in the conditions of innovative economy formation
Authors:   Federal Scientific  Center “Kabardino-Balkarian Scientific Center  of the Russian Academy of Sciences”, Makhosheva Salima , Zhanokova Marina ,   Federal Scientific  Center “Kabardino-Balkarian Scientific Center  of the Russian Academy of Sciences”, Dzaparova Viktoria ,   North Caucasian Institute of Mining and  Metallurgy (State Technological University), Totrukova Ilona ,   North Caucasian Institute of Mining and  Metallurgy (State Technological University)
Published: October 2024

Sustainable development of high-mountain regions is one of the key tasks of the modern world in the context of growing environmental problems and the need to transition to an innovative economy. High-mountain regions, such as the territories of the North Caucasus Federal District (NCFD), are characterized by unique natural conditions, but at the same time they face many environmental challenges associated with active economic activity, climate change and anthropogenic impact. These territories are particularly vulnerable to environmental risks, which requires the development of integrated approaches for their sustainable development. The formation of an innovative economy provides new opportunities for achieving environmental sustainability in high-mountain regions. Innovative technologies and environmentally friendly approaches to production can help reduce the negative impact on the environment, improve the quality of life of the local population and increase the competitiveness of the region. However, the transition to such a development model requires a comprehensive assessment of environmental aspects, which will take into account the specifics of natural conditions, socio-economic factors and the characteristics of the economic activity of these territories. The objective of the study is to analyze current environmental problems of mountainous territories and improve initiatives taken to ensure environmental safety in the context of transition to an economy of advanced scientific and technological development. Research methods. The study was conducted on the basis of dialectical cognition, system and comparative approaches, forecasting, classification, induction and deduction, the method of processing statistical and empirical data. Research results: 1) the state of the territories of the North Caucasus Federal District was analyzed from the point of view of environmental safety; 2) world experience was studied using the example of innovation-oriented countries regarding issues of environmental conservation in the process of increasing production capacities; 3) an analysis of the tools used by government bodies was carried out in order to maintain consensus between the ongoing environmental and innovation policies; 4) innovative ways to solve the problem of ensuring environmental safety in the studied mountainous regions of the country are presented. Conclusion. The study provided a comprehensive analysis of the environmental aspects of sustainable development of the highland regions of the North Caucasus Federal District (NCFD) in the context of the formation of an innovative economy. It was revealed that the environmental situation in most regions of the North Caucasus Federal District remains unfavorable, despite significant investments in improving infrastructure and modernizing production. The main problems are air and water pollution, degradation of agricultural land, accumulation of waste and deterioration of forests. High emissions of pollutants from mobile and stationary sources, discharge of contaminated wastewater and growth in the volume of municipal solid waste have a negative impact on the environmental situation. As a result, the quality of life of the population deteriorates, health risks increase, and the productivity of agricultural land decreases, which has a negative impact on the economy of the region. To solve these problems, it is necessary to implement a comprehensive approach, including the introduction of innovative technologies in industry and agriculture, improving the waste management system, developing environmental monitoring and modernizing production. An important role should be played by government support measures aimed at stimulating environmentally oriented investments and reducing the man-made burden on the environment. China, which is actively developing “green” investments and reducing the negative impact of industrial enterprises, can serve as an example of a successful environmental policy. China’s experience can be useful for Russia in developing long-term environmental safety strategies. Thus, to ensure sustainable development of high-mountain regions in the context of an innovative economy, it is necessary to form a comprehensive system of measures aimed at protecting the environment, improving public health and increasing the competitiveness of the region.