Economic mechanisms for compensating environmental damage in the context of sustainable regional development

Introduction. The dynamics of the modern socio-economic development of the regions of the Russian Federation is accompanied by a steady increase in anthropogenic pressure on natural systems, which actualizes the problem of searching for effective environmental policy tools. In this context, economic mechanisms for compensation of environmental damage are evolving from simple cost recovery to a complex institutional process integrated into the strategic management system. However, their practical implementation is faced with systemic contradictions of a methodological and institutional nature.

Purpose. To conduct a comprehensive analysis of economic mechanisms for compensating for environmental damage in the Russian Federation, identify systemic contradictions, and develop a conceptual model aimed at achieving regional sustainable development goals.

Methods. The methodological basis of the research consists of systemic and institutional approaches, conceptual modeling, comparative and economic-statistical analysis of empirical data.

Results. The imbalance in the system of compensation mechanisms is identified, manifested in the dominance of the fiscal function over the restorative one and the low efficiency of damage collection. To address these issues, an integrated environmental management model (EDM) was developed. It includes a methodology for assessing actual damage taking into account lost ecosystem services, an algorithm for calculating economically justified compensation rates, and a tool for assessing the contribution of environmental measures to achieving regional sustainable development goals.

Conclusions. Implementation of the proposed concept will overcome key methodological and institutional barriers, transforming environmental compensation from a reactive measure into a proactive tool for managing natural capital in the context of ensuring regional sustainable development.

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