Methodology of developing the concept of sustainable development of mountain territories

Introduction. The article presents a scientific and methodological approach to the development of strategic planning documents in the field of sustainable development of mountainous territories. Using the example of the Altai Republic, it showcases the results of developing the Concept for the region’s transition to sustainable noospheric development. The Altai Republic is the first region in the world to have declared a noospheric development model. Materials and methods. The study is based on sociological surveys of the region’s population, as well as an analysis of statistical data and legislation. In addition to standard methods, unique approaches developed by scholars of the Russian scientific school, including P.G. Kuznetsov, S.P. Nikanorov, B.E. Bolshakov, and others, were applied. Results and discussion. A conceptual framework model has been developed, enabling the formulation of a systematic perspective on the region’s sustainable development. The region is considered a system of ecological, social, and economic relationships, where the key interacting elements are the natural environment, human beings and society, and the economy. A standard structure for the concept of sustainable development of mountainous territories has been created as a normative legal act. A crucial component of the concept is the description of the region’s values as unique territorial characteristics. The study’s outcome is a draft Concept for the Altai Republic’s transition to sustainable noospheric development up to 2050. Priority sectors of the region’s noospherically oriented economy have been identified. Conclusion. The study has identified fundamental principles and priorities of sustainable development, which should guide the region’s ecological, social, and economic activities. These principles include the principle of spatial intellectualization, the principle of economic ecologization, the principle of relationship harmonization, and the principle of equitable partnership. Suggestions for practical applications and directions for future research. The methodological approach can be applied in the development of national, regional, and municipal strategic planning documents aimed at providing scientific and methodological support for the sustainable development of various territories, including mountainous regions.