Based on data from 7 meteorological stations, the main parameters (surface air temperature, precipitation, aridity and humidification indices) characterizing climate trends for 1950–2021 were considered on the territory of the Selenga midlands (The Republic of Buryatia), and their influence on river flow and radial growth of Scots pine. A significant increase in surface air temperature is shown, occurring with a high degree of consistency at different weather stations. The average value of the linear trend for the territory for the general period was 2.1°C. The most intense increase in temperature and increase in the frequency of above-zero anomalies has been observed in the last 11 years (2011–2021). In the precipitation regime during the study period, two complete moistening cycles were identified (1961–1981 and 1982–2018) lasting 21 and 37 years. Currently, there is a humid phase, which began in 2019. An increase in temperature leads to increased aridity of the region, which is especially noticeable during the arid phases. The cyclicity characteristic of the precipitation regime is also manifested in long-term changes in river flow. The river’s water flows are most dependent on precipitation. Selenga. However, the synchronicity of their changes is not observed throughout the entire time series. In the precipitation regime, the phase of reduced moisture at the beginning of the 21st century is not as clearly expressed as in the runoff regime. The same differences were revealed in the flow regime of different rivers, which is due to the location of their catchment areas. The watersheds of only two ri vers — Dzhida and Orongoy — are located entirely in the Selenga midlands. Most of the catchments of the Selenga and Chikoy rivers are located outside the study area. This circumstance determines to a large extent the good consistency of long-term changes in the water flows of these rivers and the differences from the river flow regime. Orongoya and especially r. Jids. The dynamics of the width of the annual rings of Scots pine trees growing in the Selenga midlands reflects changes in its hydrothermal regime during the current and previous growing seasons. The influence of atmospheric precipitation is pronounced, so the amount of precipitation for May–June explains about 40% of the increase for the residual (without autocorrelation component) tree-ring chronology.

The purpose of this study is to identify the spatial dynamics of the population of the territories of the south of Baikal Siberia (Irkutsk region, Republic of Buryatia and Trans-Baikal Territory). The study was conducted using statistical, cartographic and comparative geographical methods; The units of statistical observation are urban districts and municipal areas. The main results are the identification of the main urbanized areas and transport corridors in places of maximum population concentration. Thus, the demographic potential of the Irkutsk part of the Trans-Siberian transport corridor accounts for more than half of the region’s population. The influence of the level of development and location of productive forces on the demographic situation and the transformation of settlement systems is assessed. Geographical aspects of spatial development are expressed in the strengthening of two partially overlapping gradients of population and production concentration: mainline-peripheral and central-peripheral. Currently, agglomeration effects prevail over highways, but all agglomerations operate on highways. Modern market conditions, through increased economic contrasts, the strengthening of the role of the most important highways and agglomerations, and the degradation of local infrastructure, affect the demographic situation.

The dynamics of indicators of a number of natural factors from 1970 to 2022 in the subjects of the Baikal region: air temperature, annual precipitation, water resources, and forest area affected by fires are considered in the article. A correlation analysis was carried out between the presented components in the territory under consideration, which revealed the strength of dependence from medium negative to highly positive. The results of the work carried out can be one of the bases for natural and economic regulation in the territory under consideration, predictive assessments of the dynamics of natural processes for their consideration in the complex of natural and socio-economic processes, as well as in planning and forecasting socio-economic activities in the territory of the subjects of the Baikal region.

The development of tourism in the Russian Far East is a priority for the strategic development of Russia in the current geopolitical environment. The state is implementing unprecedented measures to support the tourism industry in this macro-region. This article analyzes the implementation of the federal agenda for comprehensive tourism development in the Far East, using the Republic of Buryatia as an example (the republic is located in the Baikal natural territory and has been part of the Far Eastern Federal District since 2018). This article presents the key measures of state tourism policy for the Far East, as well as the mechanisms of state regulation and support of tourism in Buryatia. It demonstrates the changing territorial structure of tourism and recreational activities in the region. The study is based on legislative and regulatory documents, national projects, state programs, scientific publications and websites, as well as official statistical data from both federal and regional sources. The results of this study indicate that the Republic of Buryatia is actively enhancing its regional policy on tourism development by utilizing innovative approaches and progressive state support measures. Tourism in Buryatia has not only successfully overcome the consequences of the pandemic but is also developing in current conditions. This is evident in the prioritization of tourism in the Russian Far East and the significant efforts of the authorities of Buryatia, who participate in all competitive selections for federal financial support. At the same time, a significant increase in the number of accommodation facilities and tourist flow without insufficient consideration of environmental factors in investment and economic activities may manifest itself in increased environmental degradation. The article proposes measures to improve tourism policy in line with the solution of strategic tasks of tourism development in the Republic of Buryatia and the preservation of the unique ecosystem of Lake Baikal.

The paper presents the results of the study on icings in the Selenga middle mountains (Western Transbaikalia). Current and retrospective maps of their distribution have been drawn up, relevant data on the main morphometric characteristics, interannual spatial dynamics, and area variability have been obtained. Comparison of vector data on the location of the icings in different years, together with the materials obtained during field expedition studies, allowed us to preliminary assess their belonging to different genetic types. It has been established that in the Selenga Middle Mountains, the predominant icings are formed as a result of groundwater rise to the surface during the seasonal freezing of rocks. About 30% of the icings are associated with groundwater sources coming from deep aquifers (key icings), river water icings are very rare.

The interannual variability of the size of icings is in sync with the hydration cycles, at the same time, there is a tendency for an increase in the total number of icings. At the same time, the number of very large icings has decreased 2 times as compared to 1990, while the number of medium and small icings has increased. These trends are a consequence of changes in the state of the natural environment under the influence of climatic processes (increase in air temperature) and anthropogenic factors, which influence on the intensity of the icing formation processes in the Selenga Middle Mountains is significant.

The geoecological situation in the natura-technical geoecosystems of Baikal Asia is complicated by the invasion of alien species. Information about the Baikal endemic amphipod Gmelinoides fasciatus that penetrated into the cooling reservoir of the Chita TPP-1 is insufficient to assess the current geoecological situation in the benthic subsystem of the cooling reservoir. The purpose of our research of the study was to identify the geoecological features and functions of Gm. fasciatus affecting the geoecological situation in the benthic subsystem of the Chita TPP-1 cooling reservoir. In 2022–2023 the Gm. fasciatus distribution, size structure of the population and elemental composition have been studied in Kenon Lake. It is established that Gm. fasciatus has settled the coastal zone of the lake, the size and structure of the population indicate its stability. The P content in the crude mass of Gm. fasciatus in the lake is 29.7 kg, Ca — 444 kg, Cu — 0.28 kg. Due to the Gm. fasciatus invasion in Kenon Lake, in the monitoring and management system of the cooling reservoir, it is now possible to use a new indicator of the state of the bottom subsystem. Invasion of the amphipod Gm. fasciatus entailed a change in the geoecological situation in the cooling reservoir of Chita TPP-1 — Kenon Lake.