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Aim. We discuss some aspects of innovation activity in ecology (ecological rationing, new methods of bioindication and biomonitoring, waste disposal, environmental audits of territories etc.). Methods. The study was performed using the SF-36 Survey in accordance with the requirements of the International Quality of Life Assessment Project. Results. The problems of innovation in environmental management were discussed. We assessed the quality of life of the population in Dakhadayevsky district of Dagestan. New methods of bioindication and biomonitoring have been analyzed. We suggest methodological basis of environmental management, spatial and temporal variability and sustainability of ecosystems, optimal territorial units of environmental management, information support of environmental protection activities, modeling and forecasting of the natural environment, basin-landscape concept nature management. Conclusions. Anthropogenic changes in the environment to a large extent depend on the basin-landscape organization of natural processes. Local air pollution, erosion materials from agriculture, soil erosion, pollution of surface and groundwater related to the structural features of the watershed, landscape differentiation, climate, vegetation and soil cover. These population-based studies of quality of life make possible to evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation of various medical and social and economic programs aimed at improving the quality of life and well-being. They can serve as indicators of the environmental pillar of sustainable development, significantly adding to the overall picture of environmental research.

Aim. As a result of fluctuations in water level, waves, circulation, rise and fall of the water levels there are constant partial erosion and leaching of soil banks in water bodies, with intensive ongoing pollution of the waters of the Caspian Sea, which we have seen in recent decades, and in the long run may dangerously affect the transparency of the water and reduction of biomass of the benthic community in the western part of the South Caspian Sea. The paper presents the results of the last 60 years of monitoring studies to determine the nature of transparency, depth of the euphotic layer, the primary production of phytoplankton photosynthesis, phytoand zoobentos biomass and destruction of organic matter in the coastal western shelf of the South Caspian. Methods. In the course of research, modern methods of quantitative and qualitative analysis were used, regulated by normative documents, duly approved for environmental monitoring of water bodies. Results. Studies have shown that since the second half of the 90’s, the mainland coast strip is strongly deformed, starting from the village of Shihva to Kura area, further from the south of the village of Narimanabada to Astara. Dozens of artificial coves, bays, islands were created with clay-soil mounds. Conclusions. A huge mass of clay and soil goes to the coastal waters of the western shelf as a result of the destruction of the structure of the coasts due to waves and wind, resulting in clastic particles in the water increased by 2.5 3 times, the transparency of the water in the area of 5-10 m depth contours is reduced by more than 2 fold, increasing the degradation 1.6 times. During this period, because of the intensity of sedimentation and the overall pollution in the study area, phytobenthos has almost disappeared and flowering has been reduced by 7580%. Zoobenthos has been badly damaged and biomass of bento detritivorous organisms has also been reduced. 

Aim. We present the data on the biological resources of the Caspian Sea, based on the analysis of numerous scientific sources published between years of 1965 and 2011. Due to changes in various biotic and abiotic factors we find it important to discuss the state of the major groups of aquatic biocenosis including algae, crayfish, shrimp, pontogammarus, fish and Caspian seal. Methods. Long-term data has been analyzed on the biology and ecology of the main commercial fish stocks and their projected catches for qualitative and quantitative composition, abundance and biomass of aquatic organisms that make up the food base for fish. Results and discussion. It has been found that the widespread commercial invertebrates in the Caspian Sea are still poorly studied; their stocks are not identified and not used commercially. There is a great concern about the current state of the main commercial fish stocks of the Caspian Sea. A critical challenge is to preserve the pool of biological resources and the restoration of commercial stocks of Caspian fish. For more information about the state of the marine ecosystem in modern conditions, expedition on Caspian Sea should be carried out to study the hydrochemical regime and fish stocks, assessment of sturgeon stocks, as well as the need to conduct sonar survey for sprat stocks. Conclusions. The main condition for preserving the ecosystem of the Caspian Sea and its unique biological resources is to develop and apply environmentally-friendly methods of oil, issuing concerted common fisheries rules in various regions of theCaspian Sea, strengthening of control for sturgeon by all Caspian littoral states. The basic principle of the protection of biological resources is their rational use, based on the preservation of optimal conditions of their natural or artificial reproduction. 

Aim. The paper discusses the improvement of methods of hydrobiological studies by modifying tools for plankton and benthic samples collecting. Methods. In order to improve the standard methods of hydro-biological research, we have developed tools for sampling zooplankton and benthic environment of the Caspian Sea. Results. Long-term practice of selecting hydrobiological samples in the Caspian Sea shows that it is required to complete the modernization of the sampling tools used to collect hydrobiological material. With the introduction of Azov and Black Sea invasive comb jelly named Mnemiopsis leidyi A. Agassiz to the Caspian Sea there is a need to collect plankton samples without disturbing its integrity. Tools for collecting benthic fauna do not always give a complete picture of the state of benthic ecosystems because of the lack of visual site selection for sampling. Moreover, while sampling by dredge there is a probable loss of the samples, especially in areas with difficult terrain. Conclusion. We propose to modify a small model of Upstein net (applied in shallow water to collect zooplankton samples) with an upper inverted cone that will significantly improve the catchability of the net in theCaspian Sea. Bottom sampler can be improved by installing a video camera for visual inspection of the bottom topography, and use sensors to determine tilt of the dredge and the position of the valves of the bucket. 

Aim. The Chechen Republic is a mountainous country with a very rich natural environment, a wide variety of wildlife in the region and the diversity of its fauna. Accordingly, the purpose of the work was to study the composition of the mammal fauna of the Chechen Republic, the habitat patterns of each species and selection of eco-faunal groups, types of mammal fauna of the Chechen republic, combining them into zoogeographical complexes. An attempt has been made to carry out an objective analysis of zoogeographical theriofauna of Chechen Republic on the basis of contemporary material. Methods. Zoogeographical method has been used as a main research method. We studied composition and distribution of species of theriofauna of Chechen Republic; determined the optimum habitat and the geometric center of the area, the environmental characteristics of each species and its compliance with the chosen optimum habitat conditions. On this basis and the history of the formation of the fauna and its genetic composition we identified ecological and faunal groups which served as the basis for identifying types of fauna and combining them into zoogeographical complexes. Results. The analysis revealed the full species composition, thus we obtained an objective picture of the distribution of species of mammals in Chechnya by established ecological and faunal groups based on the analysis of ecological features of species, identifying the places of their concentration and the optimum number within the range of the habitat. We identified three new eco-faunal groups of mammals in Chechen Republic; one of them is the North Caucasus mountain-steppe mammal, for the first time. We determined the list of endemic and relicts of theriofauna of Chechen Republic and prepared the basis for a complete zoogeographical analysis of theriofauna in the region. Conclusions. The research revealed habitation of up to 89 species of mammals in theChechenRepublic; we studied their distribution both within theChechenRepublic, as well as throughout any habitat, the structure of their areas has also been discussed. On this basis, we identified up to 16 eco-faunal groups and defined their zoogeographical range. The basis was created for a complete zoogeographical analysis of theriofauna ofChechenRepublic. 

Aim. The goal of the research is that: to identify the taxonomic composition of game species and make full list of species to assess the current state of populations and resources to carry out eco-faunistic analysis of the distribution of game mammals habiting Shelkovskiy district of Chechnya. Methods. We used mapping techniques, various methods of census forms and scientific processing of the collected material, systematic and bioecological analysis. Results. As a result, we have identified 5 ecological complexes and characterized them by distribution on the identified and described natural habitats. We have made an inventory of species, identified conditions of rare species and determined their status. Biometric data has been obtained for a number of species; their biological and ecological features have been described. We also identified the species composition of game mammals and their spatial distribution of habitats. The differentiation of species in ecological groups has been carried out. Data has been obtained on the number of nine major types for the period of 2012-2013, and their characteristics. We have made an estimation of ecological and economic potential of resources of game mammals of the study area. Conclusions. Based on the analysis of the results we can make a judgment about the level of biodiversity of species of game mammals of the studied area, the current state of their number and possible use for commercial, sports and recreational purposes. We propose specific measures such as the use of existing biological resources i.e. species of mammals, as well as the creation of new protected areas as a form of preserving and increasing the number of mammals in the area. The research results can be useful for monitoring and creating specially protected natural reservations, protection of endangered species. The findings have implications for the organization of hunting economy to increase the number of game animals. 

Aim. High population, high proliferation rates, a large species diversity, low mobility and small ability to overcome geographic barriers, ease of collecting material and sensitive response to changes in the external environment makes this group a convenient object of biogeographic and ecological research. Methods. The inventory of Caucasian ground malacofauna made it possible to make a complete list of species; their characteristics were determined by the geographical distribution of major natural regions of the Caucasus. Results. The comparative analysis of the geographical distribution of terrestrial molluscs on key areas of the Caucasus showed that among the 352 species belonging to 140 genera of 36 families, most richly represented Western Caucasus, which accounts for 51% or 181 species from 80 genera of 20 families, while the share of Armenian, Eastern and Central Caucasus accounts for 35-37%. Talysh, in turn, is characterized by the presence of only 11% of the species composition of the Caucasian land mollusc. Caucasus limited in distribution among the analyzed species is 72% or 255 species belonging to 104 genera of 24 families. Conclusion. The results prove the species diversity of the different regions of theCaucasus and could serve as the basis to reconsider the possible ways of formation of fauna of the region discussed. 

Aim. The aim of this work was to study the characteristics of the fauna of locusts in Karachay-Cherkessia, as some areas of the region's fauna has not been studied for a long time. Locusts (Acrididae) can be defined as dominant in numbers and biomass, which makes them an important role as herbivores as well as crop pests, so the modern study of locusts is of great interest. Methods. With observations in nature and conducted experiments in the laboratory we have made tests on behavior for five species of locusts (Omocestus haemorrhoidalis Ch., Chorthippus albomarginatus Deg., Chorthippus bigutullus L., Chorthippus apricarius L., Chorthippus mollis Ch.). Results. As a result, the inventory of species composition of locusts inhabiting the territory of Karachay-Cherkessia revealed 53 species belonging to 31 genera. Conclusions. This work is a modern faunal study of locusts inhabiting KarachayCherkessia. It has been identified 53 species of locusts, and data about the fauna group under study was updated. The faunal information is given in compliance with the current level of taxonomic knowledge of the group, and also presents data on the geographic distribution of all known species of the region. 

Aim. To study age structure and population dynamics of locusts inhabiting Karachay-Cherkessia in different periods of ontogeny. Information on the periods of locusts hatching, growing to dominant species and their fertility can be used by plant protection services for the objective assessment of harmful species populations and predict their numbers in the region. Methods. The studies were conducted in the southern, central and northern regions of the republic. Studied material includes more than 6000 locust larvae and imago. Annually we conducted route study of locusts and multiple transect surveys which covered 36 most characteristic habitats. In the field and laboratories, we carried out experiments and studies on egg capsules and larvae. Results. The study revealed features of ontogeny and population dynamics of all the phases of development (egg, larva, imago) of five species of locusts (Omocestus haemorrhoidalis Ch., Chorthippus albomarginatus Deg., Chorthippus bigutullus L., Chorthippus apricarius L., Chorthippus mollis Ch.) in a variety of habitats. Conclusions. The average number of eggs in the egg capsules in the south region is more than in the north; the hatching of larvae is between 11 am and 4 pm, the average developmental period varies by age and region. From the hatched larvae (not more than 80% of the number of eggs laid) usually considerably more than half dies. For the existence of a stable population of the species under study, the annual number of eggs should be 10-20 times the number of adults. It was found that the number of locusts in Karachay-Cherkessia in general increases in dry warm years, and in mowed areas is higher. 

Aim. This article deals with the methods of reducing pollution at major repairs (renovation) of urban buildings. Methods. On the basis of field and theoretical studies we received empirical dependences and characteristic curves of the amounts of: construction waste, total emissions into the atmosphere, the cost of capital repairs (reconstruction) with calculated construction volumes and technical condition of constructions. These graphic and empirical regularities prove the connection of the amount of construction waste and total emissions to the atmosphere with the technical condition of the building during reconstructions. Results. The developed method of reducing environmental pollution during reconstruction of buildings in urban areas includes 5 stages starting from information gathering ending with reusing construction waste. Preliminary forecasting and assessment of major repairs (reconstruction) is possible while making calculations by derived formulas. For planning of measures to reduce pollution we have developed a scheme for treatment of construction wastes and offered alternatives for their use. Conclusions. The use of construction waste, produced during major repairs (renovation) of urban buildings, as secondary raw materials, reduces environmental pollution. 

Aim. The paper assesses the chemical bases of biological productivity of the Dagestan sector of the Caspian Sea in terms of increasing the Volga runoff and sea transgression. The aim of this paper is to reveal the data on the spatial distribution and seasonal dynamics of some hydrological and hydro-chemical parameters. Materials and methods. Material for the study was collected with bathometer of Nansen in spring and summer during routine monitoring activities in the waters of the Dagestan sector of the Caspian Sea. Determination of hydrological and hydrochemical elements was carried out according to the "Guidelines for Maritime and hydrochemical research." Results. In summer, surface water temperature ranged from 22.9 to 25,9˚C, in spring, the average temperature was 17˚C. Temperature rise was observed on the horizon of 20.0 35,0m and was 5,1˚C in spring and in summer the temperature rose up to 8,2˚C. The vertical temperature changes were characterized by a decrease with depth. The greatest seasonal temperature gradients were recorded in the Northern Zone. Salinity has been characterized by spatial heterogeneity due to the uneven distribution of river waters. Lowest salinity has been recorded in the area of the mouth of Terek river, the highest in the southern part of the water area. Seasonal fluctuations in salinity in the surveyed area were insignificant and amounted 0,02 ‰. The vertical distribution of oxygen in the surveyed area was high throughout the water column. The pH value of the water area has increased as a result of the active photosynthetic activity of phytoplankton and increased from north to south from 8.12 / 8.05 to 8.45 / 8.53 in the spring / summer seasons, respectively. The distribution of phosphates in the water area was uneven and depended on the influx of continental waters and the degree of eutrophication. Because of the active photosynthetic activity of phytoplankton, the nitrates in the upper layer were almost absent. The average concentration of nitrates was 0.08 in spring and in summer – 19μg/l. Nitrites in surface horizons were completely absent. Nitrates could only be detected in small amounts in areas exposed to the river flow at a depth of 10m. Thus low average indicators (0,05 μg/l) could be marked on top of 10meter horizon. Conclusions. In the analyzed period in the waters of the Dagestan sector of the Caspian Sea favorable ecological conditions has been created for aquatic organisms, thereby increasing the biological production of the Caspian Sea. 

Aim The aim is to analyze the ecological, economic and social issues of land use and to define organizational and economic measures to improve its effectiveness. Methods. We used scientific methods: comparison, generalization, analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, system methods etc., as well as specific scientific methods: economic and mathematical, statistical, expert assessments, and others. On the basis of these methods we have carried out ecological and geographical, ecological and economic analysis in historical perspective, evaluating the degree of the influence of natural and anthropogenic factors on the degradation of agricultural land and efficiency of land use in general. Thus it revealed that the main problems of land-use issues in Kalmykia and possible ways to resolve the problem. Results. Regional studies of ecological and economic problems of land use, the study of the historical experience of grazing industry, the assessment of the current state of arid areas have allowed developing mechanisms for land management and environmental protection, preventing negative social and economic consequences. Conclusions. The present state of agricultural land in the Republic of Kalmykia has led to a significant change in the direction of deterioration of fragile arid ecosystems, which explains the decrease in the total ecological and socio-economic effects, manifested in the reduction of all benefits received by the population. Solving the problems identified above requires an effective economic mechanism of rational land use and environmental protection in the arid zone, which includes science-based land-use regulations, an effective system of land management, a set of measures to prevent further degradation of natural ecosystems. 

Aim. We studied quality of life indicators in the city of Kizilurt (Republic of Dagestan) by representative sampling of 1,354 people aged from18 to 86 years (785 women and 569 men). Methods. The study was performed using the SF-36 Health Survey in accordance with the requirements of the International Quality of Life Assessment Project. Results. As the study showed, with age there is a decrease in quality of life among both male and female population. The most marked age-related decline of population quality of life is marked by physical functioning scale. The average values of life quality indicators, studied for 8 scales SF-36, ranged from 59.4 (the scale of general health) to 80.5 (the scale of physical functioning). Quality of life of the male population is higher than that of the female on all rating scales of the survey. Thus, we revealed the biggest gender differences on the physical functioning scale, while the smallest on the social functioning scale. Conclusion. These population-based studies of life quality made possible to evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation of various medical and social and economic programs aimed at improving the quality of life and well-being. They can serve as indicators of the environmental component, significantly complementing the overall picture of environmental research. 

Aim. During the life, the organism continuously consumes nutrients that build tissue and produce energy. The source of nutrients is proteins, fats, carbohydrates along with minerals. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of certain elements in the tissue of the stomach, small and large intestine of residents of the Astrakhan region. Materials and methods. We have taken fragments of stomach tissue as material for the study (n = 25), small (n = 25), and large (n = 25), the material has been obtained by sectional study from deaths from acci-dents of healthy individuals aged from 40 to 68 years (average age - 54 ± 0.63 years). The study of features of a cumulative distribution of elements (EM) was performed with atomic absorption spectrophotometry using atomic ab-sorption spectrometer MGA-915. The analysis results are given in mg/kg of dry matter, and were subjected to statis tic processing (Student's t-test, using software Statistica (StatSoft, USA). Identified values were considered signifi-cant at p <0.05. Results. The study revealed that with morphologically similar structures of the tissues of the sto-mach, small and large intestines, similar fluctuations of elements’ accumulation were detected. While gastric tissue accumulates elements more intensively than small and large intestine. Study revealed differences in accumulation of elements depending on gender. For men the average concentration of elements in gastrointestinal tissues was slightly higher (1.3 fold) than for women. Conclusions. One possible factor that contributed to the pathology of the gastrointestinal tract is the increase of the accumulation of trace elements in the gastrointestinal system. Above all, this applies to toxic trace elements in increased amounts found in the tissues of the stomach and intestines, such as cobalt, lead and cadmium, which is an indication of significant environmental pollution. 

Aim. On a material of the survey of 1,963 representatives of the adult population we studied dental dis-ease rate. It revealed various levels of caries, the most common reasons for which are natural factors, primarily the natural fluoride content in the water. Methods. The reliability of the results and the representativeness of the sample were confirmed by modern methods of variation statistics. Results. High caries susceptibility rate determines the need of the adult population in all kinds of dental care. The data was obtained on the epidemiology of dental caries in the Republic of Dagestan, which showed significant differences of prevalence and intensity of the pathological process among the population of different climatic zones of the republic. It has been proved by the data on compara-bility of indexes of caries among adults living in different climatic zones of Dagestan Republic. Conclusion. It revealed various rates of caries diseases among the population, where the most common reasons are natural factors, primarily the natural fluoride content in the water. 

Aim. On a material of the survey of 1,963 representatives of the adult population we studied dental dis-ease rate. It revealed various levels of caries, the most common reasons for which are natural factors, primarily the natural fluoride content in the water. Methods. The reliability of the results and the representativeness of the sample were confirmed by modern methods of variation statistics. Results. High caries susceptibility rate determines the need of the adult population in all kinds of dental care. The data was obtained on the epidemiology of dental caries in the Republic of Dagestan, which showed significant differences of prevalence and intensity of the pathological process among the population of different climatic zones of the republic. It has been proved by the data on compara-bility of indexes of caries among adults living in different climatic zones of Dagestan Republic. Conclusion. It revealed various rates of caries diseases among the population, where the most common reasons are natural factors, primarily the natural fluoride content in the water.

Aim. Problems of preservation of cultural and natural heritage in the era of globalization, acquiring intensi-ty and penetration in various spheres of human activity in recent decades, are particularly relevant. Republic of Da-gestan is a multi-ethnic region located at the crossroads of world cultures and passed a difficult path of political, so-cio-economic and cultural development. The loss of the heritage can be attributed to one of social disasters, and in its consequences can be compared to the natural disasters on the planet. In this connection, the main aim is to develop proposals for the preservation and use of cultural and natural heritage of the Republic of Dagestan under globalization, a problem that sounds very relevant today. Methods. We used an analytical method to study the problem, based on the study of the scientific sources on heritage conservation in the context of globalization. In addition, we followed the methodology developed by the Russian Research Institute for Cultural and Natural Heritage. Results. In the article we make suggestions that will contribute to the conservation and utilization of cultural and natural heritage of the Republic of Dagestan in the context of globalization. The main task today is to develop the following: 1) long-term strategic policy document for justification of national policies in the field of protection and use of cultural and natural heritage; 2) draft law on measures of state support for the preservation of cultural heritage and heritage man-agement; 3) the priority list of the most endangered and valuable objects of cultural, historical and natural heritage. Conclusions. At the state level, a concept should be developed of preservation of the natural and historical envi-ronment of ethnic groups, ways of life and traditional forms of management, including the creation of socio-cultural programs aimed at improving the living conditions of the indigenous population, the study of its language, culture, traditions, organization of the system of protected areas of different types, use of unique natural and cultural facilities for recreational purposes. 

Aim. Analysis of the quality of environmental education for sustainable development on the example of educational institutions of villages of Dakhadayevsky district in Dagestan. Methods. The basis for research is the results of the surveys and testing among the schoolchildren of 5-11 grades and teachers of rural settlements of Dakhadayevsky District. The research is conducted using a special surveys designed at the faculty of ecology and geography of Dagestan State University. Statistical analysis was based on the general principles of statistics and carried out with the use of Statistica and Excel application packages. Results. The obtained data clearly reflect the situation of environmental education in Russian schools: unbalanced presentation of separate sections in the content of education. As follows from the results, the content of environmental education in schools is dominated by the knowledge gained in the course of learning biology and to a much lesser rate of geography. Analysis of the results showed that in schools the ecological knowledge is gained insufficiently. The comparative analysis of individual components of environmental training of pupils of the region showed varying results in different populations. Conclusions. The pro-file of environmental training for primary school students is analyzed, considering Russian educational standards. An attempt was made to explain these results and make recommendations to improve the learning environment.