Sustainable Development Policy and Environmental Sustainability in the Arctic Territories

Sustainable development is one of the main trends of our time. The growth of anthropogenic pressure on the natural environment leads not only to its degradation, but also to the deterioration of social and, in the future, economic indicators. Therefore, the problems of sustainable development, enshrined in the UN Sustainable Development Goals, are in the focus of attention of researchers, politicians, and the public. The sustainable development policy has national and regional specifics. This specificity must be considered to achieve success in the implementation of this policy. The purpose of the study is to analyze the specifics of the sustainable development of the Arctic territories and develop measures to achieve their environmental sustainability. The study used empirical materials on the environmental situation in the territories of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation. During the study, methods of processing statistical data, institutional analysis, literature review, case method, method of expert assessment of trends were used. The study considers the features of the institutional environment for the implementation of sustainable development policy in the Russian Arctic. The lack of systematic statistical data on the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation is noted. It is proposed to organize monitoring, and systematization of the available data. The need to introduce innovative environmentally friendly technologies in the industry of the Russian Arctic is highlighted as a priority. To reduce the already inflicted environmental damage, it was proposed to intensify the construction of treatment facilities, as well as the implementation of civil initiatives to clean up the Arctic territories and water areas from pollution. According to the results of the study, the development of environmental education and enlightenment was proposed. It is also recommended that all major stakeholders be involved in environmental projects (government bodies, business, civil society institutions, environmental activists).