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Sustainable Regional Development: A Challenge Between Socio-Economic Development and Sustainable Environmental Management

Author

Listed:
  • Alikhan Medeu

    (Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan
    Institute of Geography and Water Security, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan)

  • Maulken Askarova

    (Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan)

  • Aknur Zhakupova

    (Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan
    Institute of Geography and Water Security, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan)

  • Ulmira Bauyrzhan

    (Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan
    Institute of Geography and Water Security, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan)

  • Hermann Klug

    (UNIGIS, Department of Geoinformatics—Z_GIS, University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria)

Abstract

In the context of sustainability, the concept of balanced development is crucial at both global and regional levels. This principle is equally significant for specific regions, natural-economic complexes, and local communities. Sustainable regional development necessitates a holistic approach to addressing economic, social, and environmental challenges, which are particularly pertinent at the regional scale. The sustainable development of nations is intrinsically linked to their integration into global processes; however, its resilience and stability are contingent upon balanced regional progress. The West Kazakhstan region exemplifies an economic powerhouse within the country and plays a pivotal role in national regional policy. This study introduces a conceptual model designed to evaluate sustainable development through the balanced interaction of various indicators. The results reveal a disparity between the financial and economic potential of different regions and their environmental challenges. These findings form the foundation for developing a new paradigm of sustainable development that emphasizes the integration of economic growth, social stability, and environmental security. The proposed model has the potential to be adapted in various regions of the world facing similar climatic, water, and social challenges. However, it is necessary to consider local characteristics, data availability, and institutional contexts.

Suggested Citation

  • Alikhan Medeu & Maulken Askarova & Aknur Zhakupova & Ulmira Bauyrzhan & Hermann Klug, 2025. "Sustainable Regional Development: A Challenge Between Socio-Economic Development and Sustainable Environmental Management," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-16, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:13:p:6020-:d:1691433
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yizhong Huan & Haitao Li & Tao Liang, 2019. "A New Method for the Quantitative Assessment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and a Case Study on Central Asia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(13), pages 1-27, June.
    2. Indre Lapinskaite & Viktorija Skvarciany & Patrikas Janulevicius, 2020. "Impact of Investment Sources for Sustainability on a Country’s Sustainable Development: Evidence from the EU," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-24, March.
    3. Hickel, Jason, 2020. "The sustainable development index: Measuring the ecological efficiency of human development in the anthropocene," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 167(C).
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