Formation and implementation of the concept of sustainable development of Russian regions in the context of modern challenges

Subject. Sustainable development of Russian regions in the context of modern challenges. Objectives. To define the concept of sustainable development of the region based on investments in ecology and environmental protection measures; to assess environmental investments in the regions of the Russian Federation; to propose measures to ensure sustainability at the regional level. Methods. Time series analysis, calculation of median values for comparing data by federal districts, typological grouping of regions by the volume of environmental investments, comparative analysis, as well as analysis of regulatory documents were used. Results. The study of the dynamics of investments in fixed assets aimed at environmental safety in 2017-2023 made it possible to group federal districts by the level of their financial activity. The largest investors in this area are the Volga, Siberian and Central Federal Districts. Nevertheless, the overall picture is characterized by an insufficient share of environmental costs in the structure of total investments (up to 1.1%). It is noteworthy that the regions demonstrate solidarity in choosing priority areas – the emphasis is on wastewater and atmospheric treatment, but the regularity of this work is sometimes disrupted by the forced costs of eliminating the consequences of fires and floods. In the context of strategic planning, a high degree of adaptation of the SDG agenda was noted in the Volga Federal District, whose program documents most fully correspond to global and national guidelines for sustainable development. Conclusions. The concept of sustainable development of the regions of the Russian Federation is being formed in the context of national and global strategic goals and objectives. An increase in environmental investments, inter–level coordination and adaptation to challenges is required, since ecology is the key to sustainability, taking into account the industrial specialization of the subjects of the Russian Federation.