The International Forum on Sustainable Mountain Development recently took place in Makhachkala, Dagestan, from October 1 to 3, 2025. This significant event aimed to promote the region’s economic integration within Eurasian frameworks. It brought together high-profile representatives from CIS parliaments, government ministries, and research institutions.
Key Objectives of the Forum
The forum served as both a technical platform for resource and environmental governance and a means of projecting Russian soft power. Key objectives included:
- Highlighting multilateral cooperation in natural resource management.
- Encouraging ecological tourism for sustainable development.
- Fostering the development of mountain communities.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the forum showcased Dagestan’s potential for regional cooperation, it also highlighted Moscow’s need for tangible international engagements due to the region’s socio-political vulnerabilities. Notably, topics discussed included:
- Innovation in agriculture and natural resource management.
- Energy solutions for remote mountain areas.
- Environmental regulations that promote sustainable practices.
Local and Regional Implications
Sergey Melikov, Dagestan’s Head, actively promoted various legislative and programmatic advancements at the forum. This included a regional law focused on mountain territories and initiatives aimed at socio-economic growth.
The mountainous terrain of Dagestan features rich ecological resources. These include freshwater sources and diverse ecosystems suitable for eco-tourism. The forum framed the sustainable management of these territories as essential for regional cooperation, not just a local concern.
Political Landscape
High-profile speakers, including Valentina Matviyenko and Sergei Lebedev, stressed the importance of collaboration on resource management and green innovation within the CIS. This rhetoric positions Dagestan as a key site for legislative development in environmental governance.
While this political engagement highlights Dagestan’s cooperative role, questions arise about the actual community benefits and the equity of resource distribution in these initiatives.
Economic Strategies Discussed
The economic agenda focused on two primary tracks:
- Infrastructure improvement for energy, water supply, and agriculture to alleviate regional underdevelopment.
- Promotion of Dagestan’s tourism potential, highlighting ecological and adventure tourism to attract investments.
These initiatives align with Russia’s broader strategy to strengthen economic corridors across the Caspian region. However, local institutional capacity and resource allocation remain concerns that could hinder these efforts.
Security Context
Though not formally addressed, security issues remain a significant backdrop in Dagestan. The ongoing low-level insurgency and socio-economic disparities pose challenges to long-term sustainable development. Through the forum, Moscow aims to project an image of stability and progress, but real issues persist.
Looking Ahead
The Makhachkala forum in October 2025 demonstrated Dagestan’s role in Moscow’s broader geopolitical strategy. Future expectations include:
- Increased legislative alignment among CIS nations regarding mountain resources and governance.
- Continued federal investment in eco-tourism and infrastructure development.
- More international gatherings hosted in Dagestan to solidify its regional importance.
Success in these initiatives will rely on effectively addressing socio-economic disparities, ensuring community involvement, and mitigating security threats. If neglected, these forums risk becoming mere symbolic gestures, reinforcing external images rather than transforming local realities.
