Preview

Economy and nature management in the North

Advanced search
No 4 (2023)
View or download the full issue PDF (Russian)

ECONOMICS

8-17 177
Abstract

Abstract. In recent years, the Russian oil and gas complex has been undergoing sanctions and restrictions related to the political situation in the country and in the world, which negatively affects the economic development of the country. The consequences of sanctions include: disruption of logistics of export supplies of oil and gas raw materials, replacement of Russian hydrocarbons with supplies from other countries, reduction of foreign investment and participation of foreign companies in Russian oil and gas projects, restriction of imports for the supply of equipment and technologies, etc. First of all, these problems cause the need to expand sales markets and build new production and logistics chains, replacing imported equipment and technologies with domestic ones. In order to solve the difficult economic relations that have arisen with the EU countries, it is proposed to redirect the market for oil and gas raw materials towards Asian countries. In this regard, the study of oil and gas resources of the Far East, including the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) is a very relevant task. The purpose of this article is to identify the level of availability of mineral resources of the oil and gas complex. The object of the study is the oil and gas complex of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia): industrial balance reserves and forecast resources of oil and gas fields in the region, and the main subsurface users of oil and gas fields. The subject of the study is the analysis and assessment of the state of the mineral resource base of the oil and gas resources of the region and the prospects for its development. Based on the analysis of the current state of the potential of the oil and gas resources of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), as well as a review of the global oil and gas market, promising directions for the development of the regional oil and gas complex are identified in the article.

18-29 140
Abstract

In 2023, the planning authorities of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) will celebrate their 100th anniversary, and the article is devoted to the analysis of the strategic planning system in the republic. A historical cross-section of the Soviet and Russian planning systems is presented with intermediate results achieved at different stages of the socio-economic development of the republic by the beginning of the 2020s. The purpose of the study is to analyze long-term planning documents at various stages of the development of Yakutia, from its formation as the Yakut Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic to the present day of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia). The early 1990s saw the collapse of the administrative-directive economic system in the Soviet Union that had existed for 70 years, while the creation and functioning of market economy institutions was protracted. The breakdown of the single economic space made it difficult for the union republics of the former USSR to transit to a market economy: most of their economic potential was lost, technological supply chains for goods, works and services were broken, unemployment and poverty appeared. Russia was no exception. It is advisable to turn to the experience of regions that have successfully passed the planning stage together with domestic research institutes and scientists. The article is addressed to representatives of government authorities, researchers, teachers and students of higher and secondary specialized educational institutions, as well as a wide audience of readers interested in various aspects of the development and implementation of state economic policy in Russia.

30-37 150
Abstract

The article discusses the loan portfolio of the commercial bank Banca Intesa JSC for the period 2019-2021. According to rating agencies, the commercial bank of Banca Intesa JSC maintained a fairly strong position in the Russian financial market in 2022, which confirms its high reliability. According to the 2022Forbes rating, Banca Intesa JSC ranked 41st among reliable Russian banks. The results of the study of the commercial bank’s activities show that the bank introduced quite effective practices over the analyzed period, and the management of Banca Intesa JSC took timely measures to stabilize its work. In many ways, economic efficiency depends on how well the loan portfolio of a commercial bank is formed. The authors analyzed the loan portfolio of Banca Intesa JSC, identified the main factors at the expense of which sources its main formation was carried out; it was also revealed for what purposes legal entities with more attractive types of economic activities were credited. Timely assessment of the state of problem debt at the early stages of its manifestation helps a bank to take the necessary measures to minimize credit risks in time. The analysis of the problem debt of Banca Intesa JSC showed that the dynamics of this indicator decreases every year, which has a favorable effect on the financial condition of the bank’s activities.

38-45 160
Abstract

The article reviews small and medium-sized businesses in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia), and their role and significance in the economy of the republic. The purpose of the study was to determine the available financial opportunities for the development and support of small and medium-sized businesses in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia). The system of available sources of financial support in the region was considered, including government programs to support small and medium-sized businesses, subsidies, grants aimed at supporting their activities, preferential bank loan programs and microloans for small and medium-sized businesses. An analysis of available financial sources showed their limitations and inaccessibility for most small and medium-sized enterprises that do not have sufficient collateral, bank guarantees and sureties. Most of the representatives of small and medium-sized enterprises in the republic do not have timely accessible information about the proposed sources of financial support from government authorities. At the same time, not all enterprises cope with filling out the required documentation to receive financial support. The work provides a comparative analysis of preferential interest rates and loan terms for small and medium-sized businesses that have official programs in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia). For this purpose, the official partner banks of the Microcredit Company of the Entrepreneurship Development Fund of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) were selected: VTB Bank PJSC (Public Joint Stock Company), AKB (Joint Stock Commercial Bank) “Almazergienbank” Joint Stock Company (JSC) and Joint Stock Company (JSC) “Asian-Pacific Bank”. As a result of the analysis, the work identified the most effective sources of financial support for small and medium-sized enterprises in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia). The work provides examples of successful projects that have received financial support in the republic. Based on the study, recommendations were proposed for improving the system of financial support for small and medium-sized businesses in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia).

46-55 152
Abstract

Fixed capital is an important component of any business. It provides long-term benefits that positively impact financial performance. One of the significant benefits of investing in fixed assets is that it helps improve the efficiency and productivity of a business entity. For example, investing in modern equipment or machines allows you to increase production speed, reduce losses, reduce maintenance costs, and create the prerequisites for the long-term sustainable development of any company. The provision of fixed assets, their general condition, and technological level determine the competitiveness of the national economy. This article, in addition to some theoretical aspects that form the basis for the study, presents an assessment of the state of fixed assets in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) in comparison with all-Russian indicators. In general, with regard to the state and development of fixed capital, the situation in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) is quite favorable; however, if we consider the emerging trends from an industry perspective, significant disproportions become obvious both in the structure of investments and in the rate of reproduction of fixed assets. Such industries as construction, information and communications, and manufacturing are characterized by a high degree of depreciation of fixed assets in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). However, the areas of greatest interest to investors are subsoil use, as well as cargo transportation and storage. The purpose of investment in most cases is not technological development, which leads to qualitative changes and is the basis for the sustainable development of enterprises, but simple reproduction.

56-62 199
Abstract

The regional budget is a tool through which regional government institutions obtain resources to support their activities and fulfill the region’s development tasks. These resources include revenues from the use of regional property, tax receipts from the population and businesses, funding from the federal budget, and others. Through the budget, regional authorities have the opportunity to plan and implement investment projects, support small and medium-sized businesses, finance education, healthcare, culture, and other areas of activity. Consolidation of resources through the regional budget allows for the reduction of inequality between different territories, the improvement of the standard of living for the population, and the promotion of sustainable regional development. An important aspect of the regional budget is also the ability to plan and adapt to changing economic conditions, prevent financial crises, and ensure the financial stability of the region. This article explores the formation of the budget and resource allocation in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia). The importance of studying this topic is due to the fact that the system of interbudgetary relations plays a significant role in ensuring the socio-economic development of the region. The Sakha Republic (Yakutia) is a major resource-rich region, and interbudgetary relations have particular relevance as a significant portion of the region’s revenue is associated with the extraction and export of natural resources. The aim of the study is to analyze the distribution of income and expenditure in the region. The methodological basis of the research consisted of analyzing official statistical information on the budget’s income and expenditure in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia), as well as using methods of economic analysis and planning. The study examines and analyzes the revenue and expenditure of the consolidated budget of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia), analyzes the relationship between gratuitous receipts and own funds in the republic, and also examines interbudgetary transfers to the budget of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia).

63-68 140
Abstract

In recent years, research has become relevant related to the introduction into practice of a new tool for legitimizing professional qualifications for Russia and increasing the effectiveness of processes for ensuring the country’s economy with qualified personnel. To solve this issue, organizations have been created designed to form an objective and transparent procedure for voluntary assessment of qualifications, which is guaranteed to confirm the qualification of a specialist with established requirements and standards – these are centers for assessing qualifications. Meanwhile, the prospects for the development of the integration of tools for independent assessment of qualifications into the educational process of Universities with the strengthening of the role of interaction The employer university is currently obvious. First, the successful completion of an independent qualification assessment increases the competitiveness of graduates in the labor market. Secondly, employers get the opportunity to form an order for training specialists and save on the costs associated with additional training of staff. Thirdly, for the University, an independent assessment of the qualification of a graduate is a source of revers communication necessary to improve the quality of educational programs and develop interaction with employers. The relevance of the research topic is caused by the choice of the optimal option for applying an independent assessment of qualifications in the education system ‒ combining the procedure for the final certification of students and a professional exam. The purpose of the study is to reveal the experience of implementing an independent assessment of qualifications at the University, to identify key problems and ways of further development. The authors believe that the introduction of the GIA-NOC procedure in educational activities will lead to the quality of educational results for students and graduates.

69-78 174
Abstract

The vast natural resources of the Russian Federation make the development of extractive industries inevitable. The scale of production is growing, and the load on ecosystems is increasing. It is important to take into account that non-renewable resources are extracted, which leads to a violation of the ecological balance. Therefore, the focus of many researchers is the concept of “sustainable development”, aimed at achieving a balance between the economy, nature and people. As this movement gains momentum, investors are increasingly demanding financial instruments that contribute to the formation of a more sustainable economy, as well as reducing potential risks associated with climate change and social problems. Capital providers implement the principles of sustainable financing by evaluating investments according to ESG criteria before making a decision on investment or financing. The development of the concept of sustainable development has led to the creation of so-called ESG ratings and ESG rankings. This article discusses their importance for companies and regions of their presence. The concept of sustainable development of the Arctic territories is introduced into the topic, as well as the methods and materials used in the research are described. The main part of the article is devoted to the problems of ESG ratings, their relationship with green financing, as well as information support for these ratings. An overview of existing ESG ratings of companies and regions is given, as well as some problems that arise when using ESG ratings and rankings. These issues are becoming more and more relevant in connection with the industrial development of the Arctic territories. The author concludes that industrial activity in the Arctic should be carried out only by socially responsible companies with a high ESG rating. However, when rating according to ESG criteria, quite a lot of questions arise, such as: selection of indicators, information support of ratings, rating scale and other issues. Therefore, currently an important scientific aspect is the creation of methodological generally accepted approaches to ESG ratings and rankings.

79-85 184
Abstract

The climatic features of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) require increased reliability of engineering life systems, and therefore the volume of housing and communal services provided far exceeds the average Russian indicators. One of the backbone enterprises in this industry is Vodokanal JSC. Vodokanal JSC is a monopolist in the field of water supply and sanitation and plays a key role in the economic and social development of the republic. The relevance of the study is explained by the fact that fixed assets provide the material and technical possibility of providing residents of the city of Yakutsk with high-quality drinking water and sanitation services. Maintaining fixed assets in normal technical condition and improving their use is the key to the success and reliability of any enterprise. The purpose of the research is to study the role of fixed assets in the activities of Vodokanal JSC. The analysis of literature sources shows a variety of methods for analyzing fixed assets. The authors selected two main areas: an analysis of the condition and movement of fixed assets and calculation of indicators of their effectiveness. The analysis showed that the fixed assets are generally in satisfactory condition, as evidenced by the calculated indicators of the efficiency of stock return, capital coefficient, and stock ratio. The main ways to improve the use of fixed assets are proposed. To conduct the study, the data of the financial statements of Vodokanal JSC were used, general scientific methods and techniques of the study were used.

86-94 136
Abstract

The article discusses the need to make changes to the procedure of calculating the standards of financial costs for the maintenance and repair of highways of regional and intermunicipal importance for the Sakha Republic (Yakutia), taking into account the objective regional features of the spatial organization and structure of the transport network. Factors that increase the cost of construction work and work related to the maintenance of highways in the region under consideration were identified. The author has proposed an approach to the formation of a corrective territorial coefficient, which will take into account the differentiation of the cost of work in conditions of low transport accessibility.

95-101 159
Abstract

In 2022, Verkhoyansky District of Yakutia experienced the largest flood of the regional scale, affecting 1,220 people and with the cost of emergency recovery work amounting to RUB 160.2 million. For the Arctic regions, the consequences of natural disasters are felt several times more acutely, due to the natural and geographical peculiarities and the duration of the process of restoration of the disturbed ecosystem. Protection of the population and territories of the Arctic is one of the priority tasks of the state policy of Russia. The article assesses the flood hazard on the Yana River. Based on the analysis of historical elevations at hydrological posts, hydrological characteristics of the water body, determination of maximum levels, water discharge of the river, and basic hydrological calculations, the area of flooded territory of settlements in Verkhoyansky District of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) under the percentage availability is determined, and a map of flood zones is drawn up. Using the cadastral value of lands falling into the flood zone, the index of forecast economic damage is determined in order to preliminarily determine the scale of flooding; to carry out preventive measures for preparation, protection of the population, socially important objects, buildings and structures; to plan the amount of financial resources required for rescue operations and for liquidation of the consequences of emergency situations. A comparison and an analysis of actual and estimated damage indicators are given. A strong disproportion in the actual and calculated indicators of economic damage is proved.

102-110 144
Abstract

Under the constantly changing economic conditions of management, ensuring food security in the country, as well as in the regions becomes especially relevant. Agriculture is the only industry that is able to bring countries into a state of complete self-sufficiency, which is clearly indicated in the Doctrine of Food Security of Russia. With this in mind, the intensification of agricultural sectors, through the introduction of new technologies and improving the quality of land use is a particularly topical challenge. In this regard, the state faces the issues of the development of the industry and scientific forecast of its main indicators, taking into account the existing factors and conditions. This article provides a detailed methodology for developing a forecast for the agricultural sector using multivariate regression models. The main factors influencing the indicators of agriculture are considered, the main ones are highlighted and a multifactorial regression model is developed to forecast the indicator of gross agricultural output for the next five years. Recommendations are given for improving the application of this method in relation to the region under consideration.

111-120 170
Abstract

Studying the labor market of Yakutia is impossible without its two components: demand and supply for labor. The study of the dynamics of labor supply is based on a generalization of materials from the population census 2010 Russian Census and 2020 Russian Census, as well as official statistics. The analysis is based primarily on the quantification of labor supply. The results of the study showed insufficient attention to the study of the labor market of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) at the municipal level. Calculations of the level of labor force participation as an indicator characterizing labor supply revealed a significant decrease during the period between the last two censuses in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) at the municipal level. The factors that have the greatest impact on this situation were selected, which also require a more detailed study. Among the factors we can note decreased production volumes, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, an aging population, and the increasing influence of intraregional migration. Indirectly, the decrease in the labor force participation rate confirms the fall in median per capita income and modal average per capita income for 2015-2021 in comparable prices by 2010, which more accurately demonstrate the low standard of living of the majority of the region’s population, in contrast to average per capita cash income. At the same time, the reduction in the labor force imbalance was undoubtedly influenced by the decrease in the unemployment rate. In the future, it is necessary to focus on a more detailed description of the labor reserve, as well as on the formation of high-quality labor costs at the municipal level. In addition, the study of imbalances in the labor market is impossible without the demand for the labor force, its other component.

CULTUROLOGY

121-127 180
Abstract

Globalization is an integral feature of modern social reality, which entails a high level of cultural interpenetration. It causes long-term migration of the population and becomes an important factor in intercultural changes. This is a complex process that changes socio-cultural identity and poses a challenge to the well-being of the population, sustainable regional development, and the viability of cultural heritage. This specificity of the situation gives rise to the need to update intercultural policy, with an emphasis on informal intercultural communication in civil society, which can serve as a response to the challenges of ethnic diversity. This article examines the main problems of informal intercultural communication and proposes approaches to solving them to increase sustainability in civil society in the context of sociocultural changes. The results of the study support the idea that increasing the effectiveness of informal intercultural communication can be achieved through the use of appropriate approaches to solving communication problems. Based on the results obtained, prospects for solving problems of interethnic disagreements in modern conditions of new global threats and challenges will be shown.

128-134 133
Abstract

The article considers the popularization of the masterpieces of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity by the State Philharmonic of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) within the framework of the concert programs of two international festivals: “UNESCO Masterpieces on the Land of Olonkho” and the Arctic Music Festival “Northern Lights”, as well as the educational activities of this institution, which is an outpost of the concert academic performance in the North-East of the Russian Federation and its Arctic zone. Based on the analysis of activities of the Yakutia Philharmonic to popularize the masterpieces of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity, it was concluded that at present attention has been paid mainly to foreign examples of intangible cultural heritage – the music of the Armenian duduk, the music of the Azerbaijani tar, Spanish flamenco, Argentine tango in modern concert forms of their expression. Work to popularize the music of the Yakut olonkho, proclaimed in 2005 as a masterpiece of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity, still remains to be done, since due to the special epic nature of the traditional genre, it has not yet been comprehended in the system of symphonic instrumentalism of the European tradition. New studies on this topic by representatives of the Yakut composer schools will make it possible for young performers to search for innovative forms and proper collaborations.

135-143 161
Abstract

In the contemporary Yakut society, the film industry has a significant influence on the formation of the perception of the Sakha people, their traditions, customs, life and the beauty of nature in a harsh climate. Thanks to this, the Yakut film industry has managed to advance to the masses, attracting the attention of viewers from all over the world, which became the basis for the formation of the phenomenon of Yakut cinema. The scholarly significance of this study is manifested due to its high relevance in the field of preservation and dissemination of cultural heritage through mass media, in particular, cinematography. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the image of the Sakha people in contemporary cinema. Tasks include analyzing the Sakha people in cinema, as well as expanding the understanding of the cultural diversity of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia). The paper presents the results of a sociological online survey in Google Forms format (N=161), which was conducted in October 2023 in order to study the interests of the residents of Yakutia in the sphere of modern Yakut cinema. The paper analyzes the prospects of development of the Yakut film industry, its main problems, as well as a detailed analysis of the most and least popular films over the past 10 years. Based on this, we conclude that this study contributes to the expansion of understanding of the interaction between culture and the film industry

SOCIOLOGY

144-149 143
Abstract

This article analyzes the results of a sociological study conducted among residents of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia). The study focused on gathering wild berries and their beneficial properties. The respondents noted that they mainly collect such types of wild berries as lingonberries, red currants, and blueberries. The majority of respondents noted that they are aware of the beneficial properties of forest resources and identify the most valuable types of forest berries, such as: cranberries, blueberries, red currants, black currants, and crowberries. The study highlights the importance of wild berries in the daily life of the local population, their role in ensuring food security and maintaining health. The survey revealed the main types of berries harvested in the forest, as well as their useful properties. Thus, the article is a sociological study aimed at studying the importance of wild berries for the local population and their perception of the beneficial properties of forest resources. The results of the study can be used to develop strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of forest resources, as well as to raise awareness of the local population about their importance. In general, this work is a sociological analysis of the importance of wild berries in the life of the population of Yakutia and their awareness of the beneficial properties of these resources. The data obtained can be used to develop strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of forest resources, as well as to raise awareness of the local population about their value.

150-158 193
Abstract

In recent years, there has been an alarming trend in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia): an increased number of people leaving the region, seeking to create their future in other countries and regions of Russia. This phenomenon is due not only to the “demographic hole of the 1990s”, but also to the large-scale migration of young people both within the country and abroad. The population decline in Yakutia has deep roots. The outflow of young people from rural areas to cities, and then from smaller cities to large centers, is a phenomenon characteristic not only of the region, but also of the whole of Russia and even the world community. Reflecting those who have already made the move, statistics do not cover those who are just thinking about such a step. An online survey conducted in October 2023 via Google Forms (N=239) allows us to draw attention to the desire of a certain group of Yakut residents to move in order to achieve greater opportunities for career growth, increased income, and self-realization. This approach allows us to identify not only those who have already changed their place of residence, but also those who are considering such a prospect. A comprehensive analysis of migration processes in Yakutia requires not only consideration of current statistical data, but also attention to the preliminary motivations and intentions of those who have not yet taken the decisive step in terms of moving. This will help to better understand the factors influencing the migration mood of the population and develop effective strategies to strengthen people’s ties with their home region.

159-166 203
Abstract

The article highlights the results of the analysis of a survey conducted among young people aged 16 to 25 years in order to clarify the role of school education in the formation of patriotism. The study is based on four questionnaire questions, the purpose of which is to determine whether respondents consider themselves patriots, to identify preferred forms of patriotism, to assess the influence of school on the formation of patriotic beliefs, as well as school subjects with the greatest potential to influence the formation of patriotism, such as “history”, “social studies”, “literature”, etc. The analysis revealed that the majority of young people in the republic identify themselves as patriots. The article reveals a variety of forms of patriotism among young people and identifies the most popular types such as local or regional, civil, national. And they identified what types of patriotism among the younger generation that need to be developed for education in educational institutions. The importance of school education in the formation of patriotic beliefs is emphasized, and the influence of various school subjects on the formation of patriotism among young people is analyzed, such as “history”, “social studies”, “literature”, “native language”, “fundamentals of life safety” and such a young subject as “conversations about important things”. These results provide valuable information for the development of effective educational strategies aimed at strengthening patriotic values among the younger generation in the region.



Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.


ISSN 2587-8778 (Online)