The article is dedicated to the justification and practical implementation of a nature protection-based methodological approach to define the boundaries of the Lake Baikal protection zone and form proposals related to the harmonization of instruments of environmentally responsible development of the territory, which has the status of a World Heritage site as it contains 20% of the world’s fresh water supply. An analysis of the contemporary conditions of Lake Baikal and its surrounding landscapes show environmental degradation of the area. The most important aspects in solving the existing problem may be the construction of a science-based definition of the Lake Baikal water protection zone and compliance with the universal global values related to the requirements of ecological threat prevention. The main landscape-hydrological design principles for the water protection zone are studied in this article. A method for the functional water protection zoning of urban territories is also given. This has been implemented in Baikalsk town, which is located on the Baikal shore and is considered to be one of the most environmentally damaged territories. Proposals include recommendations on the harmonization of the landscape-hydrological principles of territory assessment and methods for target landscape planning; the setting of various restrictions within the boundaries of existing industrial and settlement zones; the creation of an overall system of environmental health monitoring for Lake Baikal and its protection zones; and for ensuring interactions with the public.

Presented are the results from a landscape-hydrological investigation into the Lake Baikal drainage area. The study revealed the main regularities of runoff formation during different hydraulicity phases. A zoning of the territory in accordance with the rate of water yield of landscapes is presented, and areas of formation of extreme hydrological characteristics are substantiated and identified.

Resilience of water bodies, and the water-ecological potential of landscapes of their watersheds are thought of as the factors of resistance of natural waters to anthropogenic impacts. An analysis is made of the parameters governing the self-purification process of surface waters, and several alternatives are suggested for a comprehensive assessment of the self-purification capacity of water bodies. The practical implementation of the assessment is considered by using Lake Baikal as an example.

We examine the water potential and the characteristics of the present state of Siberia’s water resources in the early 21^st century. The resources utilization and the ensuing problems are analyzed, and the ways to solve them are highlighted. The flood genesis, frequency and damage are investigated. The possibilities of exporting the Siberian water to neighboring countries are explored.