Socio-Ecological Aspects of the Evolution of Young Oil Towns in Northern Western Siberia (A Case Study Of Kogalym)

Aim . Retrospective study of the socio-ecological aspects of the development of young oil towns in Western Siberia (on the example of Kogalym, Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug of the Russian Federation). Methodology . The study is based on a retrospective analysis of archival documents (normative documents, urban planning and scientific-technical documentation) and literary sources, as well as on the results of field observations and a thematic survey of local residents conducted in Kogalym in March 2026. Results . Through an integrated analysis of the research materials, specific socio-ecological aspects of the evolution of Kogalym's urban environment have been identified. It has been established that thanks to such factors as the use of acclimatized plant species in combination with new technologies for their care, the species composition of the city's green infrastructure has been partially brought closer to the assortment of regions in the middle belt of Russia. At the same time, the recreational potential of the forest areas surrounding the city within walking distance remains underutilized. Local residents cite car parking in wind-protected courtyards of residential buildings as the main source of environmental tension. Based on the results of the survey and field observations, it is concluded that due to a number of social and ecological transformations, the relevance of the transition from the concept of a "winter city" to the adaptation of open public spaces for year-round use is currently increasing. Research implications . The results of the study can be used to adjust the master plans for the development of young towns – centers of the oil industry in Western Siberia.