Sharp differences in natural environment and resources and demographic and economic characteristics in Russia place special importance on analysis of regional models of transition to “green economy.” Regional model of transition to“green economy” for the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug-Ugra is discussed. This region is situated in Siberia and is leading in hydrocarbons extraction (57% of the country’s total). The existing nature management pattern is closely connected with poor modern ecological situation. System analysis of preconditions for the transition of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug-Ugra to green economy is presented. It includes description of limiting and promoting natural and social-economic factors and consideration of the ecological situation. Economic, institutional, and nature management tools for regional transition to “green economy” and sustainable development are demonstrated. These tools reflect regional pattern of “green economy” movement, though common mechanisms play the leading role (e.g., energy efficiency, climatically neutral production, environmental accounting, etc.). Regional pattern includes specific measures for forests preservation, ethnic-culture tourism development, organic agriculture based on reindeer meet, wild berries and mushrooms production, etc.

Recent federal documents devoted to the Arctic zone economic development highlighted eight basic areas—future innovative centers of regional development. Totally 150 investment projects are planned by 2030, where 48% are designated for mineral resources extraction, 16%—for transport development, 7%—for geological survey, 2%—for environment safety protection etc. At the same time, these ambitious plans should meet green economy goals. This means that territorial planning will have to consider at least three spatially differentiated issues: Socio-economic, ecological and environmental (nature hazards, climatic changes etc.). Thus, the initial stage of territorial planning for economic development needs evaluation of different spatial combinations of these issues. This research presents an algorithm for evaluation of joint impact of basic regional components, characterizing “nature-population-economy” interrelations in order to reveal their spatial differences and demonstrate options and risks for future sustainable development of the Russian Arctic. Basic research methods included system analysis with GIS tools. Accumulated data were arranged in three blocks which included principle regional factors which control sustainable development. In order to find different patterns of sustainability provided by these factors pair assessments of ecological/economic, environmental/economic and ecological/environmental data was done. Independent variable-environmental factors offered different spatial natural patterns either promoting or hampering economic development. It was impossible to assess jointly all three blocks data because the discussed framework of regional sustainability factors attributed to spatial regional system, which demonstrated its panarchy character. Ranking results were visualized in a map where the selected pair groups were shown for each basic territory of advanced development. Visualization of proportional correlation of social, economic and ecological factors was achieved using color triangle method (RGB).

Development in northern Russian cities is determined by specific economic and social conditions, as well as by natural and climatic factors. Most of these cities were established in the period of the Soviet industrialization and, thus, have a mono-profile character; for that reason, economies of single-industry cities pose high development risks of the “boom-bust” type and the relevant social problems. This paper endeavours to discuss these issues, relying on the case study of Kirovsk (Murmansk region) in order to analyse the urban planning aspects and challenges on the way to sustainability. The main factors (e.g. socio-economic, environmental and land use, institutional) were analysed to learn how they may contribute to sustainable development of Kirovsk as a single-industry town. The role of different stakeholders (mining companies, local communities, and government authorities) in decision making process is discussed. The paper presents the potentials and challenges for a further development of Kirovsk and studies its chances to become a sustainable town. Most challenges are connected with structural and paradigm changes in economy and functionality of enterprises after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Among them are contradictions of interests (e.g. ecological: enterprise owners – citizens), downsizing and depopulation, domestic and foreign market situation, environment pollution and degradation as well as associated health problems linked to the quality of life of the local population. The paper argues that following the long history of industrialization the mining activity is still dominant and has a great influence on the everyday life of urban dwellers. However, Kirovsk also has opportunities to become a sustainable town based on tourism development potential and innovations, development towards environment saving technologies conducted by scientific institutes located there. In addition, participatory approaches (e.g. public participation, involvement of stakeholders and activism of local NGOs) in urban management allow the linkages to be made among specific forms of land use, its management and policies.

The paper presents a problem of preservation of cultural landscapes of indigenous peoples as a part of national cultural heritage of Russia. The structure and features of aboriginal cultural landscapes of the North that reflect semiotic arrangement of areas under economic development are discussed. This paper also focuses on the problem of identification and mapping of real and virtual aboriginal cultural landscapes of the North and their ecological—economic functions.