Aim. The paper presents the analysis of the political and socio-economic situation in the Republic of Dagestan, North-Caucasian Federal District of the Russian Federation for the period from 2006 to 2010.

Discussion. We discuss the interrelation of the political situation and socio - economic stability at the national level. We also identified the basic problems of socio-economic and political stability in relation to the Republic of Dagestan; mechanisms to ensure the socio-economic recovery, political modernization, the creation of modern political institutions, formation of civil society and the rule of law to ensure the rights and freedoms of the individual. We discussed the questions of efficiency of public administration in the territory of Dagestan, economic leverage to market relations in order to reduce the dependence of the national budget on subsidies; administrative reform to reduce administrative barriers to minimize undue interference by public authorities in the activities of economic entities.

Conclusion. It was indicated that the goal of economic modernization has been the elimination of socio-economic backwardness of Dagestan from other regions of Russia, changing the structure of the economy, the revival of the industry based on new technology, enhancing its competitiveness, ensuring the normal functioning of market institutions, the creation of modern jobs. To do this, we have changed approaches to taxation, fiscal - financial, scientific and technical policy in the region, the work of local governments.

Aim. To implement Vladimir Ivanovich Vernadsky's teachings of noospheric outlook as the basis for sustainable development of the world community.

Discussion. The theory of noosphere has become the philosophical basis of the concept for sustainable development of society, a strategy for balanced economic development and natural resource management, and continues to have great influence on modern environmental awareness and as often happens with great scientists, that walk ahead of their time, Vernadsky’s scientific legacy will still be comprehended and creatively developed by the next generations. Vernadsky suggested the change of attitudes and ideological principles, i.e. noospheric thinking, as the solution for environmental problems. Therefore, today, Vernadsky's teachings of biosphere-noosphere transition is of particular relevance that could be the basis for fundamental research of environmental issues and practical search for their resolution. According to Vernadsky, the basic prerequisites for the development of the noosphere are the following: humanity should be united; means of communication and exchange should be transformed; the discovery of new energy sources; the rise of well-being, equality of all people; conflict-free society.

Conclusion. The knowledge of the development of the biosphere is the key to rational nature management. Vernadsky concludes that humanity, in the course of its development, is transformed into a powerful new geological force, and with thought and action it changes the face of the planet. Accordingly, for the purpose of its preservation, the humanity will have to take responsibility for the development of the biosphere turning into noosphere, and it will require a certain social organization and new environmental and humanistic ethics at the same time.

RETRACTED ARTICLE

We proposed a draft law on highland areas, which aims to create ecological and socio-economic legal framework for the sustainable development of highland areas of the North Caucasian Federal District, the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources, historical, cultural and architectural heritage.

Conclusion. The adoption of this law will create a framework for the regulation of human activities and will maintain and reproduce the natural resources and cultural heritage in the highland areas of the North Caucasian Federal District, which will ensure the transition to sustainable development.

Aim. This paper analyzes the data on contamination of the Terek river basin in the period of 1978-2012. We give assessment to process of self-purification from oil pollution of coastal waters of the Dagestan coast of the Caspian Sea; tracked seasonal and long-term dynamics of the concentration of petroleum hydrocarbons in sea water, calculated an average concentration and load of petroleum hydrocarbons in the seaside area of Terek River. We also present information obtained in the course of fieldwork in Agrakhan Bay. As a result of field research we conducted full hydrochemical analysis of water samples taken at stations, evaluating the degree of water pollution of Agrakhan Bay.

Materials and Methodology. We identified features of pollution of the seaside wellhead of Terek River by analyzing the information from the review journals of the state of environment and its pollution, and magazine-yearbooks of marine waters quality by hydrochemical indicators as well as our own data collections and analysis. Agrakhan Bay Research was conducted using modern physical and chemical methods of quantitative chemical analysis. The date was collected on an integrated basis at 16 stations.

Results. It was found that anthropogenic load has reached its limits in the Terek basin. The main factor for the destruction of the ecology of Terek River constitutes extremely large number of oil extracting and refining industries in the region. Studies of Agrakhan Bay revealed a high concentration of zinc. We also found a slight excess of maximum permissible concentration of lead and copper in the southern part of the bay.

Main conclusion. For the revival of the Terek River it is necessary to optimize the ecological and environmental impacts of activities of enterprises and industries, improve the efficiency of the entire economy of the North Caucasian region. It is crucial to combine environmental, economic, scientific, technical and organizational measures into a single set aimed at solving clearly defined problems of ecological rehabilitation, restoration of natural resources, socio-economic development of the region. It is important to develop and implement projects for the conservation of biological diversity of the Terek River.

Aim. The aim is to consider the structure and practice of funding environmental projects, its implementation in the region as well as the prospects for studying the characteristics of financial support for environmental programs in the course of vocational environmental training in regional universities.

Methodology. We propose the method of quantitative research for statistical documents and the method of qualitative analysis that can be used to clarify the structure of environmental financing in the regions.

Results. We identified the basic quantitative parameters and made a structure of financing the regional environmental programs. The analysis showed that this structure includes the federal budget, the budget of the Russian Federation, local budgets, extra-budgetary sources. Thus, the example of the Tambov region illustrates that the main financial burden is on the enterprises, and local governments involved in such financing make up the minority. It is proved that the study of the peculiarities of financing the regional environmental programs is important for students of different specialties. We propose a list of didactic units and issues to be included in the content of professional environmental training.

Main conclusions. We recommend using the structure of funding the regional ecological projects analyzed on the example of the Tambov region for other regions of Russia as well. At the same time, putting into practice the basic principles of sustainable development, it is necessary to ensure the inclusion of the study of the characteristics and structure of the financing regional environmental programs as didactic units in the process of professional environmental training.

The aim is to make an historical research of the formation of the Circassian culture, especially economic activities and original ways of life in extreme mountain conditions, which allowed maintaining a regional model for sustainable social and economic development with its ethnic and cultural characteristics.

Discussion. Cherkessia is valuable in terms of studying the history of wildlife management by the people of the North Caucasus, which has generated variable original forms of economic activity, and the original specific system of sustainable environmental management. Circassian culture evolved on favorable lands of the West of Caucasus with rich flora and fauna. It is distinguished by rational use of nature, respect for natural resources and environmental management. Circassian tribes, being the bearers of ancient indigenous culture, have become an example of a favorable interaction between nature and society, and a great adaptation of the highland peoples to the landscape niches of mountains. It was a powerful stable civilization which developed highly distinctive farming and gardening systems. Understanding the historical experience, the principles of sustainable development of the Circassian culture, ecological coexistence for many centuries represent an interesting issue and provide an opportunity to consider acceptable, reasonable ways of development of "modern" civilization. Circassian tribes have developed their own forms of adaptation to the environment as well as original ways of life in extreme mountain conditions, which allowed maintaining a regional model for sustainable social and economic development with its ethnic and cultural characteristics in a geographically difficult environment.

Conclusion. The anthropogenic impact on the landscape in the region was extremely high; nevertheless the ecological balance has not been devastated thus the environment has been saved. Long experience of highland tribes has contributed in saving the balance between the possibility to recover biological resources and the paces of exploitation of natural ecosystems, needs of the economy, level of development of the productive forces.

Aim. The aim is to study the environmental and pathogenetic bases for the functioning of the system formed by the parasite Trichinella (Trichinella Railliet, 1895) in the Southern and North Caucasian Federal District of the Russian Federation.

Methods used. We used comparative and historical, comparative and geographical methods, epizootic survey, statistical processing and data analysis. To detect and identify Trichinella we used microscopic and biochemical methods, as well as the methods of enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results. We present the data on the spread of trichinosis, environmental pathogens, ways and factors contributing to the infection of humans and animals that are susceptible to the parasite. We also note epidemiological, epizootic, social and economic significance of this disease.

Conclusions. We analyzed the relationship of environmental and pathogenetic factors determining the functioning features of the system formed by the Trichinella parasite. We also attempted to explain the results that can be used to improve programs for prevention and control of zoonoses.

Aim. Airbreathing catfish (CLARIIDAE) - is one of the most promising specie of artificial breeding. However, for the reproduction of this specie it is required to conduct appropriate studies. In particular, it is necessary to review the features of morphogenesis during early ontogeny of this type of fish. We investigated prelarvae of airbreathing catfish (CLARIIBAE) in 2,3 and 4 days of life. In the embryos, the spinal cord was formed on the 2nd day of life. At this stage, organs of vision were sufficiently developed. On the 4th day, we found hyaline cartilage at the base of the gill arch, arcs were covered with gill filaments; we also discovered fully formed mesonephros, renal corpuscles, renal tubules and intratubular liquid in the kidneys. The heart of the embryo consisted of atrium and voluminous ventricle.

Methods. The research of development of airbreathing catfish in early ontogenesis has been carried out on the basis of "RENTOP Agro-5" Ltd. under the conditions of RAS in the Krasnodar region in the spring – summer period of years 2013-14. For morphological analysis we used serial histological sections on prelarvae of 40 airbreathing catfish at age 2, 3 and 4 days developing normally and atypically. The research combines some complex biological methods: ichthyologic, histological, physiological. Materials for the research were handled with the methods of classical histology. Viewing and imaging of the sections were made using Mikmed 6 microscope with a digital camera for imaging and computer analysis.

Results. The finding of the study has been the analysis of the morphological structure of airbreathing catfish during early ontogeny, which can contribute to improving the biotechnology of breeding of airbreathing catfish under RAS.

Main conclusions. First, in the early ontogenesis of airbreathing catfish we have discovered heterochrony in the development of basic systems: rapidly developing central nervous system and the digestive system, cardiovascular system, respiratory and urogenital systems are formed more slowly. Second, we have revealed pathological abnormalities in the structure of the developing mesonephros which is the evidence of the need to adjust the breeding conditions.

The aim is to reveal theoretically possible productivity of pasture phytocenosis on meadow-chestnut soils in protected area of Terek-Kuma Lowland.

Methods. To determine the dynamics of the basic physical and chemical properties of soil, evaporation, humidity coefficient (HC) of the area, the productivity of phytocenoses and utilization factors of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR).

Results. Highly productive ephemeral synusia (5 q/ha of air-dry weight) is formed in years with precipitation of 80-85 mm during April - May at a relative humidity of 70-73%, with evaporation of 130-140 mm, humidity coefficient of 0.30, and integral of moisture of 29.8. Decreasing precipitation amount in the same period to 25-26 mm, the relative humidity to 61%, humidity coefficient to 0.06, evaporation to 200-202mm form an integral of aridity of 37.3, where the 0- 24 cm Cl ion content in the soil increase to 5.56 mgEq/100g, the yield of a biomass is reduced to 1.0 q/ha. Increase of 102 mm in rainfall in July – August period results in humidity coefficient increase - 0.21, decrease of Cl- content in horizons of А+В to 1.40 mg-eq./100g. Productivity of grasses and saltwort increases to 21.1q/ha. The utilization factor of PAR by phytocenosis makes up 0,023-0,033 (21.4% share of ephemera, herbs and saltwort make up 78.6%) and had little effect on productivity of phytocenosis.

Main conclusion. The formation of a biomass in the meadow-chestnut soil is the result of the combined effects of the amount of rainfall, evaporation, humidity coefficient, the degree and the chemistry of soil salinity. Were calculated multiple regression equations expressing the relationship between these factors.

Aim. The aim is to assess the condition of the Azov Sea water pollution by the following heavy metals - Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, Hg.

Materials and methods. We used the data provided by the State Organization "Azovmorinformcentr" for concentrations of heavy metals in the water for the period of 2010-2014 as well as published data during 1986 - 2009. Sampling and analysis was carried out in accordance with approved procedures.

Results. Concentrations of Pb in the water of the sea in the period of 1986-2014 ranges from 0,4 to19,91 ug / l. The maximum value of Pb (19,91 ug / l) was observed in the Kerch Strait in 2011. The highest average concentration of Cd in the period of 1986-2014 was observed in the Kerch Strait and was 2.19 ug / l. In the sea and the Gulf of Taganrog the average concentration of the metal was 0.51 and 0.36 ug / l., respectively. In the period of 1986-2014 the concentration of Cu ranged from 0.7 to 23.6 ug / l., with an average content of 5.56 ug / l. In the past five years, MAC values (maximum allowable concentration) have been constantly increasing. The maximum concentration of Zn over the entire observation period was 80 ug / l., and was registered in the Taganrog Bay in autumn of 2010. The average value was 14.73 ug / l. The average value of Hg in the period of 1986-2010 is 0.26 ug / l. (MAC is 2,6). We have established the seasonal trends for each concentration of heavy metals.

Main conclusions. For the recent years (2010-2014.) we observed an increase in the concentrations of heavy metals due to the growth of economic activity in the Southern region of Russia.

Aim. The aim is to determine and make an analysis of the concentration of petroleum hydrocarbons and other metals in the waste drilling: drill cuttings (DC) and mud (DM), collected in the area of drilling, to assess and forecast the state of biological resources of natural sea water.

Methods. Experimental studies of DC and DM showed the petroleum hydrocarbons content, the concentration of which varies depending on the timing of exposure. By quantitative and qualitative indicators, the metal content in the drill cuttings and mud is nonequivalent and this depends on the structure and hardness achieved during drilling the rocks as well as on the degree of contamination with metals.

Results. The concentration level of petroleum hydrocarbons and other metals in the drilling waste (drill cuttings and mud) imposes a major problem associated with the conservation of biological resources of the Caspian Sea.

Main conclusions. Environmental effects from the discharges of drilling waste on the high seas can be detected only during drilling operations and in close proximity (typically up to 200-500 m) from the discharge point. Persistent damages in communities and ecosystems occur only at long exposures and are adaptive in nature.

The aim of this work is to study the modern vegetation of the Russian Caspian Sea region. On its basis we identified the trend of pasture degradation under the new socio-economic conditions. Materials and

Methodology. The article presents statistical data on the dynamics of livestock in arid, humid and contemporary, transitional climatic cycles. The first (1987) cycle is characterized by the highest, the second (1995) by the lowest and third (2014) by increasing load of cattle pasture. Furthermore, these periods have coincided with the change of political situation in the country. The study of key areas of vegetation pastures was carried out according to the "Field geobotany" guideline (1974) by expeditionary and stationary methods.

Results. Years of research have allowed following the dynamics of pasture conditions for faulty stages in different types of vegetation to determine the modern state under the influence of modern grazing pressure. It was found that the indicators of pasture digression are species composition as well as other derivatives of plant communities. In the steppe cenoses the weak stage is indicated by caespitosa cereals, the average – domination of xerophilic semishrubs, very strong - ephemera, ephemeroids, harmful and poisonous plants. In the zonal suffrutescent deserts degradation becomes clearly apparent in the severe stages of failure. According to the degree of failure layering, complexity and productivity of plant communities are reduced.

Conclusion. Currently, as a result of the increasing livestock population, the northern part of the Caspian (Sarpinskaya lowlands), is characterized by moderate and severe stages of desertification. In the next five years, the region can once again become a zone of ecological disaster as in the late 80s of the twentieth century.

The aim is to analyze the current state of mountain agriculture in a crisis of traditional agricultural civilization based on terraced agriculture.

Results and discussion. The introduction defines the concept of "innovation development" and the necessity of the institutional approach to identify and break the obstacles for the development of the agricultural sector in mountainous Dagestan. The following section provides a summary of the history of agricultural civilization in the mountainous Dagestan and proves the necessity of the inventory of resources before the adoption of the program of development of this region. Then, consecutively, it discusses the need for an inventory of land resources, vegetation resources (including genetic resources) and wildlife resources. Each section provides consistent guidance on inventory and further utilization of the resource. We discuss some of the conceptual approaches to the improvement of the agricultural sector, in particular branding the territory, promotion of horticulture areas in mid and high lands with new crops, the possibility of medicinal crop on terraced land.

Conclusions. The findings discuss the impact of the humanitarian factor on the effectiveness of the implementation of innovative approaches for the development of the agricultural sector in the mountainous Dagestan.

Aim. The article deals with some of the features of objective side of illegal hunting and problems of their applying under the current legislation. We give the most accurate interpretation of the direct objects of illegal hunting which are the following: public relations to ensure the safety, rational use, rehabilitation and reproduction of freeliving wild animals and birds and the preservation of the number of animals required.

Methodology. We use methods of description and interpretation.

Results. We identified some features of illegal hunting: a) without authorization; b) despite the specific prohibition; c) by person not having the right to hunt or having a license without proper grounds; d) hunting outside of the designated areas; e) hunting in closed seasons; e) prohibited hunting tools and methods.

Main conclusions. From legislation, permissions for hunting are the following: hunting permits, hunting license; nominal one-time license for the hunting of animals and birds, the contract on delivery of meat and furs, etc. It is found that in Russia the hunting farms are in a poor state because of the lack of well-established legal and regulatory framework; the lack of effective management and the negative impact of the reforms as a whole; when normative legal acts are being developed, the centuries-old experience of foreign countries and the opinion of scientists and hunters are not taken into account.