Sustainable development of mountain settlement

Mountains are a traditional place of residence, economic activity, and location of transport, energy, and other infrastructure that corresponds to natural conditions and resources. The outflow of population from the mountains is a global problem associated with a complex of socio-economic, infrastructural, and demographic factors. The contrast in well-being between mountainous and lowland areas, including the provision of adequate quality housing, encourages migration in search of better conditions. The specific nature of the development of mountain settlements is only partially taken into account in documents defining state socio-economic and legal policy, which creates a problem in implementing such documents within several states. The implementation of plans developed primarily for lowland landscapes does not always lead to the desired development goal in mountainous areas. The Model Concept of Sustainable Development of Mountain Territories for the CIS member states (Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan), adopted by the IPA CIS on November 22, 2024, proposes directions for supporting the livelihoods of the population, ecology, and economy of the CIS mountain regions. This is a strategic planning document, the basis of which is the Model Law "On the Development and Protection of Mountain Territories" adopted by the IPA CIS in 2020, which directly provides for the need to form a state policy in this area. The main directions for improving state housing policy include improving the quality of life of the population, developing the economy, preserving the natural potential of mountain territories, and protecting the environment. Mechanisms for its implementation are proposed, including legal, organizational, financial, and scientific support. Ensuring the rights of the local population to adequate housing; Organizational and legal conditions for ensuring the life and sustainable development of settlements; Measures taken by state authorities and local governments to combat the outflow of population Implementation of the model concept of sustainable development for the CIS IPA member states; The role of local authorities in ensuring favorable living conditions for the population and in making sectoral decisions related to approaches and methods of climate urban policy aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change and adapting to it.