Problems of Industrial Development and Possible Risks for the Preservation of the Natural Environment of the Altai Republic

In this article are examined possible risks for the preservation of the natural environment of the Altai Republic in the process of industrial development of the region. It is demonstrated, that industry in the Soviet period, including mining, did not have a significant impact on the natural environment. In the 1990s, in the context of the socio-economic crisis, many enterprises ceased their activities. At present, few industrial enterprises, which in terms of production volumes are small and less often medium-sized enterprises, have a local impact on the environment of the region. In the post-Soviet period, in the conditions of democracy and transparency, some projects being implemented and proposed for implementation provoke protests from local residents, including indigenous people. The implementation of some large investment projects in the field of recreational and tourist activities may have an impact on the natural environment of the region and create conflict situations with the local population. © 2022 Institute of Physics Publishing. All rights reserved.