Sustainable resource management: How to preserve natural potential in the era of technological advancement.

Global resource consumption is on the rise worldwide. This is largely due to the high material intensity of renewable energy sources. In this context, Russia has unique opportunities for sustainable development, combining its natural potential, scientific achievements, and advanced technologies.

Opening the Vostok Club session, the club's program director and the general director of the "Nature and People" fund, Sergey Rybakov, emphasized that to effectively utilize these resources, it is necessary to develop an economic system that synergistically distributes risks between business and the state.

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Program director of Vostok Club, general director of the "Nature and People" fund Sergey Rybakov.

Photo: Ivan MAKEEV. Go to the Photo Bank KP

- It is important to improve the legal framework and maintain leadership in promoting universal values, using ecology, nature, and technology as key strategic advantages, - noted the moderator.

According to him, it is critically important to establish a foundation for key competencies for the years ahead and to prepare specialists capable of generating unique solutions for emerging industries. A systematic development of engineering personnel, scientific and technological initiatives, and international cooperation will not only strengthen Russia's position but also create a model of sustainable development that could serve as an example for the entire world.

RUSSIA AS A LEADER

Deputy Chairman of the Public Council under Rosnedra Dmitry Agapitov discussed the current state of the global resource base for strategic metals, the directions for exploration and surveying, as well as modern technological solutions.

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Deputy Chairman of the Public Council under Rosnedra Dmitry Agapitov.

Photo: Ivan MAKEEV. Go to the Photo Bank KP

- We have a vast territory and colossal resource potential. Russia occupies an important place in the global context, and it should be noted that we still often use knowledge accumulated during the Soviet Union, - said the speaker. - Unlike other countries, we have experienced a break and are now recovering, although the process is not always smooth. Nevertheless, our strategic potential in rare earth metals, for example, remains strong. We share third place in the extraction of rare earth metals with Brazil, trailing only China and Vietnam.

The situation with critical metals, according to the speaker, is largely determined by technological development and political choices, as demonstrated by China's experience, which bet on rare earth elements back in 1988. Russia needs to strengthen its position in this area, including through the modernization of technological processes and strengthening ties with the international business community.

NOT COSTS, BUT INVESTMENTS

Ecology is becoming not a cost, but an investment in the future. This was stated by the general director of the Agency for Transformation and Economic Development Vladislav Onishchenko, emphasizing the importance of integrating ecological technologies into the development of extractive industries. The expert noted that in the long term, ecology and waste recycling technologies become not expenses but strategically important contributions to the economy.

- The first topic of ecology in our country is related not only to resources but also to geo-exploration, extraction, and processing, - he pointed out. - Ecology, in particular, is always perceived as a cost. But if we talk about the long term, then it is not a cost but an investment in the future. These investments can become the foundation for sustainable development and allow for the effective use of resources that were previously considered waste.

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General director of the Agency for Transformation and Economic Development Vladislav Onishchenko.

Photo: Ivan MAKEEV. Go to the Photo Bank KP

In the context of changing attitudes towards ecological expenses, he noted that the lack of corresponding recycling technologies might lead to situations where the extraction of primary resources is more economically justified than waste recycling. This process requires not only technological innovations but also changes in legislative initiatives aimed at stimulating resource recycling. This will contribute to improving the ecological situation and enhancing competitiveness in both domestic and foreign markets.

DISCUSS AND SOLVE TOGETHER

Member of the Commission of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation for Ecology and Sustainable Development Vladimir Lifantiev emphasized the importance of linking ecology and subsoil use with society. The speaker noted that the modern use of natural resources should be aimed at preserving them for future generations, and interaction with the public should be more transparent and open.

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Member of the Commission of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation for Ecology and Sustainable Development Vladimir Lifantiev.

Photo: Ivan MAKEEV. Go to the Photo Bank KP

- We need to return to the original concepts of sustainable development, sustainable ecology, and sustainable subsoil use. This is a quite concrete concept that indicates that we must use resources in such a way that future generations do not lose opportunities within the framework of subsoil use, - said Vladimir Lifantiev, adding that the example of the Leningrad region showed how the lack of a sustainable development strategy can lead to ecological and legal problems, when, for instance, a landfill is attempted to be built in an area that has turned into an ecologically valuable water body.

The court case regarding the relocation of the landfill demonstrated that inconsistency in the actions of authorities and the absence of long-term plans for sustainable development can lead to conflicts and risks for the ecology. It is important for Russia to establish a system of territorial schemes that consider ecological aspects and predict the consequences of subsoil use.

Vladimir Lifantiev also noted that despite the presence of responsible subsoil users, such as state corporations, in some cases, enterprises do not allow the public to participate in discussions about their projects, which fuels tension and dissatisfaction in society.

- Subsoil use is currently in a parallel reality from public discussion, and this needs to be corrected. We all need to work together to ensure sustainable development, where the ecological interests of society are prioritized, - concluded the speaker.

DIGITALIZATION AT THE FOREFRONT

In recent years, legislation in the field of subsoil use has been developing with unprecedented dynamics, reflecting changes in the economy, ecology, and politics. One of the key trends is the digitalization of state subsoil fund management, allowing for more accurate and timely decision-making.

- We now live in a paradigm where all reporting documentation from subsoil users is generated in machine-readable format, - noted the deputy director for work with territorial bodies of the Federal State Institution "Rosgeolexpertiza" Roman Shamordin. - This makes management not only convenient but also effective: from an office in Moscow, one can see what is happening in a subsoil area in the Far East.

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Deputy Director for Work with Territorial Bodies of the Federal State Institution "Rosgeolexpertiza" Roman Shamordin.

Photo: Ivan MAKEEV. Go to the Photo Bank KP

Shamordin also emphasized that digitalization is not just a trendy buzzword, but a tool that is already actively being used for data integration between agencies and enhancing resource management efficiency.

HERITAGE AS A KEY

Legal expert of the Non-Governmental Organization "Institute of Law and Energy" and Doctor of Law Elena Novikova emphasized that valuable ideas for regulating the industry can be found even in historical documents.

- What unreal wealth, what heritage we possess! – the expert marveled. - Far from all findings in legal regulation have been utilized or even preserved to this day. For instance, the Mining Statute of the Russian Empire already provided for flexible regulatory mechanisms, detailed conditions for subsoil users, and a balance between state and private interests.

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Legal expert of the Non-Governmental Organization "Institute of Law and Energy", Doctor of Law Elena Novikova.

Photo: Ivan MAKEEV. Go to the Photo Bank KP

According to Elena