Российская Арктика-2035: полимасштабный прогноз

This publication describes the ongoing cycle of works aimed at the radiation survey in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, in order to assess the primary (background) levels of human-made radionuclides before starting work on lifting and disposing of flooded and sunken radiation facilities with spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste based on the Action Plan for the implementation of the Strategy for the Development of the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation and Assuring National Safety for the period up to 2035 approved by the Government Decree No. 645 dated 26 October, 2020. Materials and Methods: The radiation survey was carried out in the coastal zone of residential areas near the site of the flooding of the K-27 nuclear submarine and radiation facilities in the Kara Sea: the Amderma settlement, Nenets Autonomous Okrug, as well as its natural waters. The article includes results of measuring the ambient dose equivalent rate of gamma radiation in open areas by the pedestrian gamma survey method, and determining the content of human-made radionuclides in samples of environmental media (soil, bottom sediments, aquatic vegetation) and local foodstuffs by gamma spectrometric and radiometric methods with preliminary sampling in accordance with the established procedure provided by current regulatory documents and guidelines. Results and Discussion: the research results show that the state of the surveyed area is generally stable in terms of radiation factor; the content of radionuclides is at the background level characteristic of the Nenets Autonomous Okrug, not exceeding radiation safety standards. External and internal public radiation exposure was assessed. Conclusion: It was shown that the public radiation dose is formed mainly due to natural radiation sources. As part of this work, an electronic database module was developed based on the results of radiation monitoring in the Amderma settlement, which is part of the general database (registration certificate No. 2022621890).

The state policy of the Russian Federation in the Arctic for the period up to 2035, along with ensuring the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Russian Federation and preserving the Arctic as a territory of peace, stable and mutually beneficial partnership, provides for ensuring a high quality of life and well-being of the population of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, in accordance with this, one of the tasks is to promote a healthy lifestyle and create conditions for improving efficiency of development and extraction (catch) of aquatic biological resources, stimulating the production of fish products based on local agricultural raw materials and food. The article presents aspects of the features of the diet of workers working in the conditions of the arthric zone of the Russian Federation and offers options for optimizing the nutrition of this population group. Sociological studies of the purchasing power of fish products by the population of Bilibino, Chukotka Autonomous Okrug are presented, on the basis of which a conclusion is made about the relevance of the development of technologies and formulations of functional fish products based on local raw materials. The fish raw materials of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug have been analyzed, which can be used for the subsequent development of fish food products with physiologically functional ingredients of plant origin to maintain the protein-fat balance of the polar metabolic type.

High morbidity, premature mortality and environmental pollution in the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation (AZRF) require improved management of sanitary and epidemiological wellfare. The aim of the study is to conduct a review of the state of the environment and public health, as well as propose solutions on the management improvement of sanitary and epidemiological welfare on the territory of the Russian Arctic. Methods. The materials of socio-hygienic monitoring form No. 2 "Information on infectious and parasitic diseases" and summary databases of records of occupational diseases (poisoning) for 2007-2018 were analyzed in the context of municipalities of the Russian Arctic. The risk of health disorders caused by contamination of drinking water and atmospheric air was assessed in accordance with R 2.1.10.1920-04 (Guidelines for assessing public health risk from exposure to chemicals polluting the environment). Results. In some Arctic regions, there are problems associated with a migration outflow (Vorkuta) and high mortality of the working population, high infant mortality and low life expectancy (Chukotka Autonomous Region). The population of the Russian Arctic in the main classes of diagnosed diseases for the first time in life is higher than at the average for Russia, the Nenets Autonomous Okrug is the territory of "risk" morbidity. In contrast to Russia as a whole, an increase in the incidence of occupational diseases is reported on the territory of the Russian Arctic. Conclusions. In a number of regions of the Russian Arctic, the population is exposed to unacceptable risks of health problems associated with air pollution and drinking water. According to the results of the study, we propose some priority measures to improve the management of sanitary and epidemiological well-being in the Russian Arctic.

The article is devoted to the study of the problems of legal regulation of the protection of wildlife in the use of mineral resources in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation. According to the results of research of the basic strategic planning documents for the development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation it is proved that the specificity of protection of the wildlife of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation the implementation of separate types of economic activities, including the use of mineral resources that are not directly allocated. The necessity of securing the documents of strategic planning of development of the Arctic zone of environmental threats and risks, characteristics of environmental protection in the implementation of certain types of activities (including the protection of wildlife in the subsoil) and also the need for the adoption of the Federal law that protects the special ecological and legal status of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation.

Currently, biomonitoring research is actively developing in the Arctic region, despite this, groups of people who temporarily come to the Arctic remain outside the national monitoring system, unlike the local population. Participation in expeditions on ships implies special living conditions, such as limited space, sensory deprivation. The study aims to analyse the biochemical parameters of blood, the content of essential, toxic elements, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and vitamin D in samples of the expedition group temporarily coming to work in extreme Arctic conditions. Scientists carried out a study on board the Mikhail Somov scientific expedition vessel as part of the Arctic Floating University project. The participants were 50 people: 26 men and 24 women aged 20 to 72 years. As a result of the analysis, the authors have determined: 8 biochemical blood parameters, vitamin D levels by high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometric detection, the content of essential (Co, Mn, Se, Cu, Zn), toxic elements (As, Cd, Hg, Pb) using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer and POPs by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Almost 90% of the expedition participants had vitamin D concentrations below 20 ng/ml, which indicates a deficiency of this vitamin in the body. After conducting a comparative analysis between the expedition group and the permanent population of the Nenets Autonomous Okrug (NAO), it was found that the expedition group significantly reduced the content of not only toxic compounds (As, Cd, Hg, Pb, POPs), but also essential elements (Co, Mn, Se, Cu, Zn), according to compared to the local population. It is worth noting that the concentration of arsenic in the expedition group is 65 times lower (0.12 µg/L) than in permanent residents of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation (7.29 µg/L), and the concentration of lead in the group of expedition workers was 42 times lower (0.30 µg/L) than in the local population (15.21 µg/L). The data obtained provide information about the elementary and toxic status of the urban population of the Russian Federation. One of the reasons for such differences may be the predominantly traditional lifestyle of the local NAO population and the biomagnification of toxic substances in food chains. If biomonitoring studies are carried out by specialists on an ongoing basis and the data obtained is accumulated, then a basis may appear for predicting risks of both a short-term and long-term nature. The conducted research contributes to the expansion of the biomonitoring system at the national level.

The Murmansk region is characterised by endless wilderness areas, taiga, forests, countless rivers and lakes, and is also interesting for various types of tourism. More than 40 countries have stayed in the region's hotels in 2018, with most foreign visitors coming from Europe. Three districts of Karelia – Belomorsky, Kemsky and Louhsky – were successfully included in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation in 2017. The Belomorsky District has an exceptionally high tourism potential, which is currently under-demanded due to the lack of an underdeveloped tourism infrastructure and tourism personnel. The Kemsky district is famous for the objects of historical and cultural heritage. In the Kemi district there are few recreation facilities and hotels, which is explained by the fact that major tourist flows of guests pass through the city of Kemi. The Assumption Cathedral in Kemi, Kuzovetsky archipelago are in great demand. The area is famous for fishing, hunting and event elements. The Louhsky region is famous for wild recreation away from the hustle and bustle. In the region there are all conditions for the development of various kinds of ecological, natural, sports and adventure tourism. All regions have a sufficient number of attractions to attract tourists, unique natural phenomena and the potential for numerous types of tourism.

The Arctic regions of Russia are primarily focused on the extraction of raw materials, and the mining sector has witnessed an increase in added value in recent years. On average, 84% of taxes and fees contributed to the budget system of the Russian Federation originate from the Arctic’s mining sector, which highlights the importance of analyzing the activities of this sector. This article aims to assess the industrial potential of the mining sector in the Russian regions located in the Arctic zone. Such an assessment identifies the potential uses of a combination of resources to enhance the economic development of these regions. The study employed various theoretical methods such as generalization, comparison, and systematization, along with empirical analysis including statistical observation and graphical interpretation. The research draws upon scientific publications related to the industrial potential of Russian regions, utilizing data from the Federal State Statistics Service to evaluate the mining sector's potential in the Arctic regions. The article discusses the advantages and limitations of current methodologies for ranking Russian regions based on the industrial potential of the mining sector. Building upon the study, a comprehensive methodology is proposed, which involves assessing the industrial potential of the mining sector through the calculation of indices based on 17 indicators grouped into five domains: materials and technology, innovation and investment, finance, labor, and infrastructure. The proposed methodology was applied to analyze the industrial potential of the mining sector in four Russian regions located within the Arctic zone for the period from 2017 to 2021. The findings indicate that the Murmansk region exhibits the highest industrial potential in Russia’s Arctic mining sector,with the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug ranking second. The Nenets Autonomous Okrug and Chukotka Autonomous Okrug display relatively low potential in the mining sector.

International studies show a declining population in the Arctic. The main contribution to the negative dynamics of migration loss belongs to the Russian Federation. The article presents the results of our study of the migration situation in the Murmansk region, which is part of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation. The statistical analysis of the migration movement demonstrates active migration processes in the region. However, despite the increased rates of arrival in the region, the negative dynamics of population decline due to migration loss persists, when the number of people who drop out prevails over the number of arrivals. These data are indicators of a weak settled population in the Murmansk region and social unattractiveness of the region. We also supplemented the statistical analysis of the migration situation with the results of a sociological study of migration behavior, migration attitudes and migration motives of the residents of the Murmansk region. We found that 16% of respondents showed a positive migration attitude, 52% of respondents showed a negative migration attitude, and the share of “potential migrants” was 26%. The key reasons for migration from the North are unfavorable climatic conditions and the unfavorable socio-economic situation in the region. The social portrait of respondents with a positive migration attitude is described by the following socio-demographic variables. Gender - mostly female. Age - from 16 to 66 years (average value was 35 years). The level of education - secondary vocational (or specialized secondary) - 37%, and higher education - 26%. Duration of residence in the Murmansk region - from birth or almost all his life - 71%. Unemployed and employed - demonstrated a positive migration attitude equally. The motivational factors that constrain migration are own housing, employment, job satisfaction, wages and social guarantees, family-related and regional (arctic) identity.

On December 25, 2019, by an order of the Government of the Russian Federation, the National Plan of Measures for the first stage of adaptation to the climate change for the period until 2022 was approved. This plan pays considerable attention to the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation. In 2020-2021, it is planned to develop and approve a separate sectoral plan for adaptation to the climate change in the macroregion. In general, among the key problems of the socio-economic development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, the unpreparedness of all types of infrastructure for the possible consequences of the global climate change is particularly notable. Climate change occurring in the macroregion is superimposed by additional anthropogenic factors, including chemical pollution, excess catch of aquatic biological resources, changes in land use, population growth, and changes in the structure of the economy. The problem of the impact of climate processes on socio-economic development is fundamental and has its positive or negative manifestations in all spheres of life. The negative manifestations of the climate change primarily include consequences for ecosystems, the environment, infrastructure, especially coastal areas, public health and traditional local lifestyles. The positive effects of climate change include reducing heating costs, expanding opportunities for agriculture and forestry, developing shipping along routes in the Northern Sea, as well as expanding access and increasing the extraction of mineral and marine biological resources.

The article examines the qualitative changes in the gender and age structure of the permanent population of the Arctic regions (Murmansk Region, Nenets, Chukotka and Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrugs), from 2014 (the year when the land territories of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation were defined by decree of the President of the Russian Federation) to 2022. The study was conducted taking into account the results of the All-Russian Population Census in 2020. The dynamics of changes in the sex and age structure of the main age groups of the entire population are considered; the change in population size by gender of the main age groups and in general for 2014–2022. Over the three three-year periods 2014–2016, 2017–2019, and 2020–2022, positive demographic development processes have been identified that have improved the age structure of the population, as well as negative ones that restrain this development and the growth of the permanent population of the Russian Arctic.

Today, a vital criterion of a nation’s economic competitiveness implies strong human capital. Russia, with its huge area, faces a challenge of uneven social and economic progression by regions. Hence, investing in the Arctic is a priority enshrined in Russia’s 2025 Strategy for the Economic and Social Development. The social and economic level of the Arctic is worse comparing to other regions with more beneficial conditions. The Arctic offers various mineral resources with many reserves still unexplored. The Arctics natural wealth and technology innovations alone cannot drive its economic sustainability. The paper sets a relevant goal of identifying factors that contribute to the Arctic’s human capital as the region cannot progress without a skilled workforce capable of living and working in the extreme North. Russia will be able to unlock the resource potential of its Arctic territories only if it creates a sizeable population and talent pool with the capacity required to address the economic challenges faced by the region. Therefore, a good social infrastructure is critical for robust human capital – it directly affects the economic enthusiasm of people developing the potential of the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation. The state policy should be formulated using a system approach to implementation methods of socio-economic programs in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation.

The conceptual ambiguity of the definition of regional competitiveness hinders the development of socio-economic policy measures to increase a region’s attractiveness to people and capital. The methodology for assessing competitiveness presented in this study evaluates the attractiveness of a region for business, considering the well-being of the population, environmental conditions, economic efficiency and development of innovation and information systems. Technically, the proposed methodology relies on the linear scaling method and various approaches to accounting for interregional price discrimination. Analysis of data obtained from the northern regions of Russia confirmed the conceptual link between competitiveness and productivity and production factors. The key regional competitiveness indicators are personal income and efficiency of production factors — capital intensity and wage intensity. The study revealed low competitiveness of the majority of the northern regions due to the insufficient development of the information system, low attractiveness for business and population, poor economic efficiency and little innovation. In order to maintain high competitiveness of the most successful regions — Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug and Sakhalin Oblast — authorities should pay more attention to environment and innovation. The lagging regions need to implement measures to attract investment, increase spending on transport infrastructure, and reduce poverty and unemployment. Additionally, the least competitive regions — Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Kamchatka Krai, Arkhangelsk Oblast and the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) — are recommended to focus on improving the regions’ information infrastructure and attractiveness for business. The article demonstrated that more reliable results can be obtained by using the index of budget expenditures instead of the cost of a fixed basket of goods and services adjusted for a specific region, since it better reflects the high cost of life in the northern regions. The findings can be used to develop socio-economic policy of the northern regions of Russia.

Introduction. Preserving and strengthening the health of the working population is one of the priority tasks in the Russian Federation. According to the "Concept of the Demographic Policy of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2025", approved by Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 135 of 09.10.2007, measures to reduce the mortality rate of the population, primarily citizens of working age, should include measures to reduce the mortality rate and injuries from industrial accidents and occupational diseases. The study aims to assess the relationship of health disorders with work for certain classes of diseases and the indicator of loss of life years, adjusted for the disability of workers (DALY-disability-adjusted life years), shops of pyrometallurgical nickel refining. Materials and methods. We performed a study on JSC "Kola Mining and Metallurgical Company" (JSC "Kola MMC"), which produces and processes copper-nickel ores located in the European part of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation (Murmansk Region), which makes and processes copper-nickel ores. To assess the relationship of health disorders with work, we used the results of mandatory periodic medical examinations of 2113 employees engaged in pyrometallurgical refining of nickel and copper. Results. In the context of individual classes of diseases, experts established a statistically significant decrease in the incidence of diseases of the nervous system, skin and subcutaneous tissue, musculoskeletal system, and conditions of the genitourinary system. The conducted assessment of the connection of these health disorders with working conditions in workers of pyrometallurgical production of nickel and copper showed the presence of an average degree of contact with the impact on the body of a complex of harmful production factors of such health disorders as diseases of the nervous system, skin and subcutaneous tissue, musculoskeletal and genitourinary systems. We evaluated the effectiveness of the measures carried out using the DALY-analysis method. As a result, the researchers found a reduction in this total indicator of health loss among workers of pyrometallurgical refined nickel from 218.8 to 184.6 years (by 17.8%). Conclusions. A comprehensive assessment of health losses by the DALY analysis method indicates a significant reduction in the burden of diseases among workers of pyrometallurgical nickel refining by 15.6%, including among men - by 12.5%, among women - by 28.3%. The economic efficiency of the implemented wellness program in JSC "Kola MMC" showed that the total prevented economic damage due to reducing diseases associated with labor activity amounted to 119.3 thousand rubles per employee of metallurgical production on average for the year. The prevented economic damage resulting from the reduction of occupational diseases per employee amounted to 10.4 thousand rubles per year.

One of the main problems of Arctic zone development in the Russian Federation (AZRF) is a limited labor resources. Poly-model complex for analysis and simulation of the AZRF labor market is presented in the article. The complex allows you to forecast the formation of the labor demand of socio-economic systems in AZRF and to explore the possibilities of regional professional education systems in terms of meeting the forecasted needs. Technologies of system-dynamic and agent-based modeling are shared within the framework of the complex. The advantage of the presented software tool is the ability to operatively vary not only the quantitative characteristics of the modeled system, but also the structure of interaction between the components of the system. This is a useful opportunity to analyze the possible impact on the regional labor market of investment projects that are planned for implementation in the region. Developed tool was used to support the personnel policy management in the Murmansk region.

Introduction. In recent years the researchers have noted an increase in the number of occupational diseases detected for the first time in one employee of mining and metallurgical enterprises in the Arctic. The study aims to obtain new data on occupational polymorbidity among employees of enterprises in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation. Materials and methods. We have studied the results of social and hygienic monitoring under the section "Working conditions and occupational morbidity" of the population of the Russian Federation in 2007-2020. Results. Scientists first have diagnosed occupational diseases in 7685 workers in 2007-2020. The authors have identified one nosological form of occupational pathology in 6164 employees (80.2%), two forms - in 1128 employees (14.7%), three forms - in 243 employees (3.2%), four forms - in 92 employees (1.2%), five forms - in 41 employees (0.5%), six forms - 14 employees (0.2%). In addition, one employee had seven diseases, another had eight diseases and the third had nine diseases. The researchers have noted the minimum level of polymorbidity in 2007 (1,013±0.005 cases), and the maximum - in 2012 (1,502±0.040 cases). The highest polymorbidity rates were in charge workers (3,333±0.849 cases), drillers (2,215±0.025 cases) and cleaners of finished products (2,136±0.208 cases), and the lowest - in health workers (1,087±0.054 cases) and civil aviation flight personnel (1,011±0.011 cases). There was no professional polymorbidity among the education workers. Of the nine subjects of the Russian Arctic, the experts have observed the maximum level of polymorbidity in the Murmansk region (1,552±0.021 cases), exceeding the indicators of all other regions. Limitations. There is a possibility of different methodological approaches among occupational pathologists to the diagnosis of occupational pathology in nine remote Arctic regions belonging to four federal districts of Russia. Conclusion. The phenomenon of polymorbidity is due to the combined effect of harmful production factors and a complex of reasons leading to late diagnosis of occupational pathology and, as a result, its progression with the continuation of labor activity. To reduce the level of occupational polymorbidity, it is necessary to improve working conditions, upgrade the skills of occupational doctors and use additional research methods that allow to objectify the early clinical manifestations of diseases.