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.

Key factor of Russia-Mongolia conciliation procedures in development projects on the Lake Baikal basin territory is the status of Baikal as a World Heritage site. Both countries are the parties to the World heritage Convention. Hydropower construction projects in the Lake Baikal basin, which currently are under consideration, are indicative examples of elaboration of procedures in achievement of harmonized decisions of Russia and Mongolia with participation of international institutions. This paper gives analysis of problem solving instruments, as well as consolidated actions of authorities, science and the public in international talks on threat prevention in Baikal region. The paper emphasizes not only necessity of scientific support as one of the mandatory conditions of any cooperation, but also highlights formation of working groups and their mandates; different levels of talks for harmonization of views; interaction of science, regional and federal authorities; role of NGOs and citizens, public consultations. The following preliminary conclusions are justified: accomplished scientific and public actors can be a key element in harmonization of interests; there is a subjective factor that has a crucial significance – availability of specialists, who provide substantive work and organizational management of actions; it is reasonable to regulate main stages of harmonized actions with identification of existing legal and institutional instruments.

On the basis of analyzing the legal norms in the sphere of state ecological monitoring and the division of power, we substantiate the conclusions about the legislatively established predetermination of the ecosystem approach in implementing the functions related to Baikal’s monitoring, the need to provide governmental authorities with administrative and financial instruments as well as about scientific and personnel accompaniment. We suggest the top priority goals and conceptual provisions of the normative act concerning the procedure of monitoring the lake’s ecosystem, and the primary objectives of the legal framework for implementation of the system approach to monitoring operations. Results can be used in elaborating the bylaws for the Federal Law “On the protection of Lake Baikal”.

Creation of international and Russian legal basis of Lake Baikal preservation and examples of prevention of its ecosystem threats are determined by professionalism and consolidation of scientific community, joint actions of Russian and international experts and NGOs. The examples of inclusion of Lake Baikal into the World Heritage Site list, adoption of the federal law “On protection of Lake Baikal” and transfer of the “Eastern Siberia - Pacific Ocean” oil pipeline, show the central role of subjective factor in decision making by authorities and consideration of opinion of scientific and expert community. Interests and actions of authorities in regards to global threats to the Lake Baikal ecosystem are studied. Having defined scientific community as the only institution that is capable to find ecologically safe solutions for development of Baikal region, it is necessary to integrate functions of the science as an expert body in decision making by authorities. The article includes a set of measures for achieving of common positions of scientific community based on the Scientific council on Lake Baikal problems, and for achieving of legal support of the council’s status as an expert body which position is considered in governmental decision making for Lake Baikal.