Monchegorsk is an intrusion complex of basic and ultrabasic rocks of the Paleoproterozoic age. This complex formed during active magmatic mobility that took place in NE Scandinavia 2.5 Ga years ago. These were the subject of intensive exploration and exploitation at the beginning of the 20th century, the latter carrying on through to the beginning of the 21st century. This contributed to the creation of some different forms of post-industrail mining infrastructure in the area. Many mining settlements, including Monchegorsk, mining plants, adits and quarries were established during this time, the relics of which are still present today. The Monchegorsk intrusions complex is formed by several fragmented massifs: Traviannaya, Kumuzhia, Nittis, Sopcha, Nyud, Poaz, and Monchetundra, the highest elevations of which reach up to 1000 m above sea level. These massifs form a landscape of “islands” and mountain ranges that have influence upon the regional landscape over several tens of kilometers. Their geography is characterized by numerous reliefs, glacial cirques, rocky thresholds with waterfalls and trough lakes. The potential of this region lies in the heritage of historical exploitation, numerous monuments of which have been preserved to this day. An important value is a landscape resulting from the relief of these mountains, highlighted by glacial activity in the Pleistocene. There are also interesting examples of Arctic fauna and flora, and of the rocks that form the bedrock in this intrusion. Some of the mineralization of these outcroppings can also be admired in the collections of the local museum that serves as a geocenter. The possibility of admiring relatively easily accessible views (the international route St. Petersburg–Murmansk–Kirkenes passes through the middle of the hills) and the interesting geology of the area abounding in rocks of mineralogical significance, their exposures, and history, along with the possibility of observing various post-industrail forms, make this area of great tourist potential. This article describes the most interesting exposures of outstanding tourist value and proposes routes connecting these points. It also discusses the problem of securing these exposures and the necessary tourist infrastructure, which is currently lacking.

The Russian city of Murmansk has about 300,000 inhabitants and is located inside the Arctic Circle in NE Scandinavia (Russia). It has one of the largest such concentrations of people in the Arctic. The city is a scientific, industrial, cultural, and transportation centre (an ice-free port in the so-called Northern Sea Route, connecting Europe with Asia). Currently, air pollution in the city is associated with outdated city heating technology, coal dust from the port and vehicular traffic, and so-called “small emissions”. The authors propose practical solutions based on known examples of Scandinavian cities with similar climatic conditions such as: the modernisation of heat energy acquisition; diversification of energy acquisition including renewable sources; thermal insulation of buildings; arrangement of urban greenery with dust-catching plants, and proposals for changing the habits within the population by promoting the use of public transport.

The subarctic Kandalaksha region abounds in many tourist values and is notably characterized by a richness of geology, nature, history, and landscape. Its mountains are located directly on the coast of the White Sea. The skerry-fiord coast is the habitat of many seabirds that nest on its many islands. There is also large mammals such as seals and bears. The coastal area and islands are a reserve within the National Park that was established to protect the breeding areas of the seabirds. Despite its location near the Arctic Circle, the area has a relatively mild climate. Many of the villages and towns in the area have a centuries-old history inextricably linked to the indigenous peoples (Karelians, Sami) who inhabited the area, as well as to the “Pomors,” the first Russian colonizers of the area. On top of this, this is a location with an environment that contains numerous examples of flora and fauna, as well as a geologically and geomorphologically interesting landscape connected with glaciation, abrasion, and isostatic movements. Here, the geological substrate, made up of Paleoproterozoic collisional structures of the Lapland Granulite Belt, was repeatedly tectonically rejuvenated within the forming aulacogen of the White Sea and the Kola-Lapland Mobile Belt, along with numerous Paleozoic intrusions of kimberlite and alkaline rocks. The youngest processes are associated with Pleistocene glaciation and isostatic relaxation in the Holocene. All these features contribute to the high tourist potential of the area. At present, it is being developed in a more or less organized way with the participation of private capital. This article presents a proposal for the systematic development of the area in question and the formalization of tourist routes in the area. This article aims to meet this need by proposing a tourist trail in the Kandalaksha area so as to enable tourists to explore this remarkable area.

This text highlights the environmental aspects of the Arctic in the Murmansk District. Its geographical, natural, geological, and historical characteristics are presented. Examples of environmental protection facilities have been shown and aspects of their features that make the region attractive for tourists have been indicated. Proposals for the development of tourist infrastructure were shown, models for the development of the cultural and industrial landscape of cities were proposed, as well as the exhibition of natural and post-industrial heritage in the context of the possibility of its protection and exhibition for visitors. The influence of social awareness of inhabitants and the role of their quality of life in the context of the possibility of effective nature protection was indicated. Examples are also shown that allow for the sustainable development of these areas also through the diversification of income with the participation of the tourism industry, economic recovery of post-industrial areas, and the possibility of further protection of the Arctic for future generations.

In recent decades, Russia has taken steps to create an accessible environment for people with disabilities, but the problem of equal participation of these individuals is still problematic because of the existing social barriers in a variety of areas of activity. As a result, the people with disabilities have limited opportunities for personal fulfillment and inclusion in the society. In this regard, ensuring the independent life of the people with disabilities is an urgent task of our time, affecting not only the urban and technical aspects, but also a range of social factors. An interview with the people with disabilities conducted by the author in 2019 to understand the conditions and factors of independent life in this category revealed that the people with disabilities seek to participate in the society, but they note social barriers in all areas of activity. In this context, inclusive measures must be performed as a whole, considering socio-environmental, inventorial, and individual and personal factors in all spheres of life activity.