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Urban Studies
Reference:

Altai Republic - prospects for the development of the territory of the border region

Ordynskaya Yuliya

PhD in Architecture

Associate Professor, Pacific State University

680035, Russia, Khabarovskii krai, g. Khabarovsk, ul. Tikhookenskaya, 138

ordynka.y@yandex.ru
Other publications by this author
 

 

DOI:

10.7256/2310-8673.2022.2.38255

EDN:

CWXKZM

Received:

11-06-2022


Published:

30-06-2022


Abstract: The aim of the study is to identify possible prospects for the development of the territory of the Altai Republic as a unique region due to its geographical location at the junction of several borders (Kazakhstan, Mongolia, China). The object of the study is the territory of the border region. Special attention is paid to the identification of risk factors, positive and negative sides of the territory. The relevance is due to the fact that at present, due to the difficult political situation, the rupture of many economic ties, the vector of development of the country will be radically changed. The emphasis is placed on the development of foreign economic activity with friendly countries, which will certainly affect the development of common border territories. The main conclusions of the study are that both sides of the state border are specific to the existing socio-demographic risks – low development of the territory, border settlements are few, low indicator of social development, unemployment in rural areas, social infrastructure in critical condition. For the first time, the study examines the prospects for the development of the Altai Republic with a comprehensive account of all related factors. The novelty of the study is that for the first time a SWOT analysis of the territory has been applied, which has so far been used only for business plans of companies. The results confirm the effectiveness of this method. In the course of the research, cartographic, economic and statistical methods, as well as general scientific methods were used: analysis, comparison, generalization.


Keywords:

Territory, border, risks, opportunities, perspective, region, development, indicators, resources, settlements

This article is automatically translated. You can find original text of the article here.

         In the current geopolitical conditions (closure of the western borders), it is obvious that strengthening integration processes on both sides of the border is necessary for the development of the territory of the Altai Republic. Within the region, there is a weak use of its own resources, outside the region, the development is favored by the political situation. Occupying a unique location on the border of several states – Mongolia, China and Kazakhstan - the republic has a single checkpoint to Mongolia (Tashanta), and there is low border activity on the territory. The development of cooperation with each of the three border countries has its own specifics. The republic is characterized by a partnership model of interterritorial cooperation [15]. Cooperation in various fields and trade relations with Mongolia are developing most actively. In the implementation of foreign economic relations, priority is given to Western aimags (Kobdo, Bayan-Ulegey, Uvsin). In 2017, the construction of a transport and logistics terminal (TLT) in the Tashanta MAPP area on the Russian-Mongolian border has become a key factor in the development of trade and economic relations with Mongolia and China. And the completion of the 210 km long highway: Dayan (China) – Tsaagan Nur (Mongolia) – Tashanta (Russia), with access to the Chui Tract of Russia - this will increase trade turnover, strengthen cross-border interaction of border territories [4] (Fig.1).

Figure 1 is a diagram of the Altai Republic (the author's drawing).

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 The border areas of Altai make up the majority of the Altai-Sayan ecoregion, which is of global importance (allocated by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). The border zone includes underdeveloped small settlements (Mendur-Sokkonskoye, Karagayskoye, Amur, Ust-Koksinskoye, etc.). The largest are Ust-Koksa (4437 people), Ust-Kan (4934 people), Ongudai (5767 people). The territory of the border region is characterized by finely dispersed settlement and 68% of the agricultural lands of the republic are concentrated. All settlements have tourism potential and prospects in the field of hunting, sightseeing, fishing, cultural tourism, educational tourism associated with the collection of medicinal herbs. Small villages are a natural support base for the development of the local rural economy, and settlements together with the surrounding elements of rural entrepreneurship constitute a rural agglomeration and form the basis of the settlement system - Ust-Koksinskaya, Ust-Kanskaya, Ongudayskaya, etc. (fig. 1). Currently, a program is needed not only for the preservation, but also for the development of small settlements in the Altai Republic.

         Figure 1. The territory of the Ust - Koksinsky and Ust-Kansky border region of the Altai Republic (the author's drawing).

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         In 2020, the Altai Republic development program for 2020 - 2024 was developed and approved), the main purpose of which is the spatial development of not only the border territory of the republic [2]. The program defines the concept of tourism development in the region as a leading industry, and the main idea was the development of the territory through the creation of tourist and recreational clusters. It is planned to gradually include up to 50% of the territory under the turklusters, and their borders are supposed to be included in the territorial planning schemes. The program also assumes that the leading branch of the economy will be tourism, and agriculture will only be an accompanying component to it. If agricultural land is given over to the implementation of tourism projects, this may provoke certain threats in the future. Of course, the development of the territory is always associated with various risk factors, therefore, in order to determine the prospects for the development of the territory in question, it is necessary first of all to identify risks, opportunities, competitive indicators, taking into account which will reduce negative situations in the future. The study of existing trends and possible trajectories of development of the territory makes it possible to identify the main risk factors that need to be taken into account for the long-term development of the region. For this purpose, a study was carried out and a SWOT analysis was compiled, in which the strengths and weaknesses of the territory of the border region were determined (Table 1)

         Table 1 – SWOT analysis of the development of the Altai Republic as a border territory

Strengths

Factor

Directions

1. Geographical location

 

 

 

 

 

 

– The unique geographical location of the region, determined by the presence of the state border (Kazakhstan, Mongolia, China);

– high availability of agricultural land;

– the border situation as a resource for the development of the territory and economy of the region;

– the possibility of creating a cross-border corridor [8].

2. Transport

infrastructure

 

 

 

 

– The passage of federal and international highways through the territory of the region, which facilitates the access of goods to the markets of Central Asian countries;

– the presence of a major transport artery - the Chui Tract (the main through route through the entire region).

3. Natural and ecological

– Unique natural diversity;

– favorable climatic conditions.

4. Tourist

 

 

 

 

 

– The Manzherok ski complex, a tourist route to the Shavlin Lakes, the Teldekpen rapids, nature reserves and natural monuments (Altai, Katunsky, etc.), historical attractions (Altai Stonehenge, petroglyphs and rock paintings of the Kyzyl-Tas rock, etc.) [6].

5. Natural resources

 

 

– Significant, but little-used mineral resource potential (gold, non-ferrous and rare earth metals, etc.), unique plant and forest resources;

- many environmental projects are being implemented on the territory of the border areas ("Biodiversity conservation and sustainable development", etc.).

6. Industry

 

– Food, light, mining, metallurgical [16];

7. Agriculture

 

 

 

– Exclusive products (antlers of Altai morals, downy fibers from Mountain Altai goats, cheeses, mountain honey) [11];

– directed development of the main industry - animal husbandry.

8. Demographic

–Steady natural population growth.

9. Cultural

potential

–The presence of cultural heritage.

Weaknesses

Factor

Directions

1. Infrastructure

 

 

 

 

 

 

– underdevelopment of the road network – the need for reconstruction and improvement of roads and bridges, construction of roadside service facilities;

– the lack of its own railway network (the nearest railway station is Biysk - 100 km from Gorno-Altaysk), due to the difficult terrain;

– lack of direct transport communications and logistics centers with China (only through Mongolia)

2. Environmental

 

 

 

– The main risks are associated with the intensive development of agriculture - land degradation, the development of water and wind erosion processes, desertification, salinization and land pollution with heavy metals.

3. Investments, business

– A small proportion of employees in small and medium-sized businesses;

– a high level of unemployed of working age [3].

Opportunities

Factor

Directions

1. Geographical

 

 

 

– Creation of free trade zones on the border territory on both sides with certain economic conditions of interaction of cross-border cooperation.

2. Recreational potential

 

 

– Availability of all groups of recreational resources: therapeutic, aesthetic, recreational, sports, etc.;

– development of a tourist and recreational complex with an international status;

3. Infrastructure

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

– A promising exit through Kosh-Agach -Argamji and the Kanas Pass, which will contribute to the further development of economic ties with Mongolia and China in the regions of Western Siberia;

– formation of a special contact zone with neighboring economies (Mongolia, Kazakhstan, China);

– international trans – transport and logistics hub;

– resumption of the activity of the special economic zone "Altai Valley".

4. Investments

 

 

 

– 25 projects under development (status, special, social, industrial park, cluster) data as of October 1, 2021) - the opportunity to organize 2525 new jobs [16].

5. Tourist

– The possibility of developing a tourist complex with an international status (promoting the potential of the region not only at the federal, but also at the international level;

– organization of international exhibitions and press tours [10].

– creation of the first tourist TOP;

6. Industry

– the possibility of increasing the production of agricultural products for supplies to foreign markets;

– development of the biopharmaceutical industry [14].

Risks

1. Tourist

 

 

 

 

– Undeveloped tourist infrastructure;

– depreciation of the existing material base;

– a small number of tourist-class hotel accommodation facilities (2-3 stars);

– the seasonality factor [8].

2. Socio-demographic

 

– high unemployment rate (11.58%);

– it is necessary to take into account the interests of the indigenous peoples of the region

3. Infrastructure

 

 

 

 

– lack of developed infrastructure will slow down the inflow of investments;

– there are no active trade messages due to the lack of high-quality transport infrastructure.

4. Socio-economic

– The absence of active growth poles (cities, industries) capable of raising the level and dynamics of socio-economic development in the medium term.

     

        

         The study showed that the risks affect the socio-demographic, infrastructural, socio-economic spheres.  The conducted natural resource analysis of the border areas confirms the existing potential and great prospects for cross-border interstate cooperation in the field of not only joint development of resources, but also conservation of natural biodiversity. It is obvious that in order to increase the economic interaction of the territory under consideration, it is necessary to expand the network of checkpoints, increase their status from bilateral to international, as well as modernize the border infrastructure. The border territories can be further considered as single cross-border territories (Russia - Mongolia, Russia-China, Russia-Kazakhstan), but for them it is necessary to develop unified programs of economic and territorial development agreed between the countries [6]. An approach to this unique region is necessary, taking into account the traditional experience of developing the territory and the peculiarities of the peculiar local landscape.

         The result of the study showed that there are socio-demographic risks in the territory – low development of the territory, border settlements are few, low indicator of social development, unemployment in rural areas, social infrastructure in critical condition. The combination of the above factors leads to the fact that small settlements disappear. As a result, huge areas of land are uninhabited, which leads to the loss of social and administrative control over their own territory in the border zone. It is not possible to change or reduce the identified risks in a short time – to raise production, increase investment flows to the region, improve the social sphere. But with a targeted reduction of the identified risks, it is possible to significantly raise the level of socio-economic development of the republic, which undoubtedly has its own potential for economic growth.

 

        

 

        

 

References
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First Peer Review

Peer reviewers' evaluations remain confidential and are not disclosed to the public. Only external reviews, authorized for publication by the article's author(s), are made public. Typically, these final reviews are conducted after the manuscript's revision. Adhering to our double-blind review policy, the reviewer's identity is kept confidential.
The list of publisher reviewers can be found here.

The text precedes the introduction, which aims to form a general idea of the republic for the reader; the presentation is quite compact and informative (some of its fragments, however, cause some disorientation, for example: "There is a weak use of own resources inside the region, outside the region - the political situation is favorable for development (?)". What is it about?). Further, however, this seemingly fleetingly touched upon topic is picked up and expanded: "In the current geopolitical conditions, it is obvious that strengthening integration processes on both sides of the border area is necessary for the development of the region as a whole. " Well, the topic itself is certainly worthy of attention. However, it is necessary to warn! At least its relevance does not follow from the title. And, if we are talking about it, is it so "obvious"? And is it worth starting the research itself with similar — unsupported — statements? However, the text further increases amorphousness before our eyes: "Occupying a unique location (?), the republic has a single checkpoint to Mongolia (Tashanta), low border activity is noted. " Note that the mosaic of characteristics can produce a disorienting effect. The following phrase: "The development of cooperation with each of the three bordering foreign countries – Mongolia, China and Kazakhstan has its own specifics. " Perhaps it was necessary to begin the presentation with this key point for the presentation — the neighborhood with three neighboring states? After describing the situation in a few more phrases, the author finishes with the introductory part and proceeds to the main one — at least to the "project" one (how the introduced information blocks correlate with the purpose of the study, the underlying tasks, etc. - the reader will have to guess all this himself): "The Altai Republic development program for 2020 - 2024 has been developed (approved in 2020), which defines the concept of tourism development in the region [1]. The main idea is to create tourism and recreation clusters as the leading industry in the region. The main purpose of the approved program is the spatial development of the territory of the republic. " Well, let's say (it would be nice to explain why the development program of the Altai Republic is mentioned exclusively in connection with the "concept of tourism development in the region", on a brief statement of the goals of which (the concept) the author stops further; in general, an element of the author's style should be recognized as the nomination of explanations exclusively "retroactively"; in particular, soon The above is followed by: "It is planned to gradually include up to 50% of the territory under turkalasters (?), and their borders are supposed to be included in territorial planning schemes. "Here, it seems, it makes sense to turn the whole exposition around, nevertheless directing it on the path "from the general to the particular"). Literally after a few phrases, we get to the next fork in the presentation, which is quite unexpectedly reduced to a risk analysis: "The study of existing trends and possible trajectories of the territory development makes it possible to identify the main risk factors that must be taken into account for the long-term development of the region. To this end, a study was carried out and a SWOT analysis was compiled, which identified the strengths and weaknesses of the territory of the border region. " An unexpected and pleasant surprise is this light that suddenly illuminated the presentation at the end of the tunnel, signified by the transition to the "completed study"; they cast a shadow over the forgotten prospect of neighborhood with three foreign regions, etc.; in which how was this reported (obviously, the phrase "border territory", which consistently appears in the table, is intended to explain the confusion)? Actually, on this (table), everything ends. This is followed by a final fragment that reinforces the overall sense of eclecticism of the text. Here is a (characteristic) fragment of it: "Border territories can be considered as single cross-border territories (??), but (?) For them, it is necessary to develop uniform economic development programs agreed between the countries [3]. A program is also needed not only for the conservation, but also for the development of small settlements in the Altai Republic (where did this statement come from and what is it based on? This unique territory needs an approach using "natural" processes (?), taking into account traditional experience and the peculiarities of the peculiar local landscape (and where is even a word about the "risk analysis" carried out here? Rec.). " Bibliography. The design of the links does not meet the requirements of the editorial board. Conclusions, the interest of the readership is weak, crude, made up of separate and poorly fitted blocks. If the study is really based on risk analysis (management), this point should be developed and clarified (by refining the table and making it intelligible). Conclusion: the work to some extent meets the requirements for scientific presentation, but both stylistically and structurally requires refinement, and is recommended for publication if it is successfully completed.

Second Peer Review

Peer reviewers' evaluations remain confidential and are not disclosed to the public. Only external reviews, authorized for publication by the article's author(s), are made public. Typically, these final reviews are conducted after the manuscript's revision. Adhering to our double-blind review policy, the reviewer's identity is kept confidential.
The list of publisher reviewers can be found here.

The author presented his article "Altai Republic - prospects for the development of the territory of the border region" to the journal "Urbanistics", in which a study of possible directions of socio-economic development of this subject of the federation was conducted. The author proceeds from the study of this issue from the fact that in the current geopolitical conditions, for the development of the territory of the Altai Republic, it is necessary both to strengthen integration processes on both sides of the border and to use the internal potential of the region. As the author notes, there is a weak use of own resources inside the region, and the political situation is favorable for development outside the region. Unfortunately, the article lacks a theoretical justification and a bibliographic analysis of works devoted to the socio-cultural analysis of the realities and indicators of the republic and potential vectors of its development. The author has not indicated the relevance and scientific novelty of the study. The methodological basis of the study was an integrated approach containing a descriptive method and a SWOT analysis. The purpose of the study is to identify key risks, opportunities and directions for the development of the socio-economic potential of the Altai Republic based on a detailed analysis of the main indicators. For a detailed acquaintance with the present situation, the author gives a description of the specifics of the region, paying special attention to its unique geopolitical situation. The Altai Republic is located on the border of four states (Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan and China), the author sees the advantages of the subject of the federation in international cooperation. All settlements in the region have tourism potential and prospects in the field of hunting, sightseeing, fishing, cultural tourism, educational tourism related to the collection of medicinal herbs. However, as the author notes, the border area is characterized by finely dispersed settlement and 68% of the agricultural lands of the republic are concentrated. Therefore, a program is needed not only for the preservation, but also for the development of small settlements in the Altai Republic. Exploring the socio-cultural potential of the region, the author states that in 2020 the Altai Republic development program for 2020 - 2024 was developed and approved, defining the concept of tourism development in the region as a leading industry, and the main idea was the development of the territory through the creation of tourist and recreational clusters. It is planned to gradually include up to 50% of the territory under the tour clusters, and their borders are supposed to be included in the territorial planning schemes. The program also assumes that the leading sector of the economy will be tourism, and agriculture will only be an accompanying component to it. However, the author sees a danger to the economy in giving agriculture a secondary status. As noted by the author, the study of existing trends and possible trajectories of the territory's development makes it possible to identify the main risk factors that must be taken into account in order to carry out a long-term perspective for the development of the region. To this end, he carried out a study and conducted a SWOT analysis, which identified the strengths and weaknesses of the territory of the border region. Thus, according to the results of the analysis, the author has identified a fairly large number of strengths of the republic: geographical location, transport infrastructure, natural resources, industry, cultural potential, natural and ecological, tourist demographic factors. The author considers investment, tourism, socio-demographic, infrastructural, and socio-economic factors to be risks and weaknesses. In conclusion, the author summarizes the material obtained as a result of research and analysis, noting that the development of the region requires the development and adoption of unified programs for economic and territorial development. The author's natural resource analysis of the border areas confirms the existing potential and great prospects for cross-border interstate cooperation in the field of not only joint resource development, but also the conservation of natural biodiversity. It seems that the author in his material touched upon relevant and interesting issues for modern socio-humanitarian knowledge, choosing a topic for analysis, consideration of which in scientific research discourse will entail certain changes in the established approaches and directions of analysis of the problem addressed in the presented article. The results obtained allow us to assert that the problem of studying the socio-economic and socio-cultural potential of the regions of our country is of undoubted theoretical and practical cultural interest and can serve as a source of further research. The material presented in the work has a clear, logically structured structure that contributes to a more complete assimilation of the material. An adequate choice of methodological base also contributes to this. The bibliographic list of the study consists of 16 sources, which seems sufficient for the generalization and analysis of scientific discourse on the subject under study. The author fulfilled his goal, received certain scientific results that allowed him to summarize the material. It should be stated that the article may be of interest to readers and deserves to be published in a reputable scientific publication after the above-mentioned drawback has been eliminated.