The relationship between people and land, which forms the basis of all human activity, determines sustainable economic development and social stability. Recognizing land—a limited and non-reproducible natural resource—as a source of wealth is a key element of rational stewardship and effective governance. Eradicating poverty and ensuring sustainable environmental management largely depend on how people gain access to land resources: a source of livelihood, especially for the rural poor; a key factor for economic growth; and a source of food and shelter. Effective management of the land tenure and use system promotes sustainable social and economic development, creates favorable conditions for responsible investment in productive land use, and provides people with security of expectations. Ineffective management negatively impacts social stability, sustainable environmental use, investment, and economic growth, and can lead to violent conflicts. People may be condemned to hunger and poverty, deprived of their livelihoods if they are denied access to land due to corrupt practices in the administration of land tenure and use systems and lack necessary state support for agricultural production in nonchernozem regions [4–6]. This article addresses the quality of governance, the abandonment of agricultural lands, and the depopulation and rewilding of rural areas.

The article is devoted to the problems of economic realization of ownership of agricultural land and substantiation of the conceptual foundations of a constructive position. The political and economic foundations of the significant miscalculations made in the justification of strategic directions and tactical decisions in the reform of land ownership, the paradoxes of the economic and legal content of land ownership related to holdings as its exogenous subjects are shown. The article provides scientifically based recommendations on the adjustment of the land reform in Russia.

The article demonstrates the importance of accuracy and reliability in land accounting results through analytical and monographic research methods. It identifies the factors that negatively impact the correct and complete maintenance of land records by administrativeterritorial units. In particular, practical suggestions for improving the quality, accuracy, and transparency of the land balance are provided.

Lake Tanganyika, with its unique biodiversity of lake fauna, faces environmental threats due to active anthropogenic activities, particularly in the fishing industry. This article explores the impact of the fishing industry on the socio-economic development of coastal areas in the northwestern part of the lake, where population growth and food demand are increasing. Among the main problems identified by the authors in the analyzed territories is the lack of necessary information about the lake»s fish stocks and their dynamics among the government agencies responsible for sustainable management of Lake Tanganyika»s fish resources. The reason for this is the lack of harmonized and centralized methods of monitoring the environment of the lake»s coastal areas, which makes it difficult to assess the systematic nature of the monitoring conducted by various states and companies without proper coordination in terms of timing and types of monitoring activities. The article highlights the need for targeted and scientifically sound environmental monitoring programs to preserve and sustainably manage the fisheries, which are of great concern.

The article analyzes the current state of irrigation systems in Russia, identifies the causes and problems of their use. The key parameters of the reclamation regime to be monitored during the restoration process are outlined. The criteria determining the need for modernization are formulated. The authors propose technological approaches to solving the problem of updating irrigation complexes that require reconstruction. The proposed solutions are aimed at improving the efficiency and sustainability of irrigation systems, improving land use and water use in modern conditions.

Land use and development rules represent a set of norms and requirements governing the use of land resources and the organization of urban planning activities in cities and rural areas. These rules play a key role in ensuring the sustainable development of territories, preserving the natural environment, and improving the quality of life of the population. In the context of rapid urban growth and increasing development density, the issue of efficient use of land resources becomes particularly relevant, requiring public authorities, developers, and citizens to adopt a conscious approach to the planning and implementation of construction projects. The aim of this scientific research is to examine the main aspects of land use and development rules using the example of the federal city of Moscow, and their significance for territorial planning. The paper will analyze key legislative acts regulating this area, as well as consider examples of their practical application. Special attention will be paid to the interaction of various stakeholders — state authorities, developers, and local communities — in the context of ensuring balanced and harmonious territorial development.

The relevance of developing effective land use methods is undeniable, especially in connection with increasing climate aridity. Climate warming and the associated increase in the duration of dry periods lead to the expansion of desertification processes, reduction of forest areas, and soil degradation. This is particularly pronounced in the Baikal Natural Territory. Under the conditions prevailing here, effective agricultural land use is possible only on the basis of irrigation, including the use of quarry water. It is known that wastewater can act as environmental pollutants, necessitating monitoring of micronutrient content in the soil–water– plant system.

The article examines the organization of land use in populated areas in the Omsk region, land use categories and their quantitative relationships, analyzes the actual state of the structure of the land fund of populated areas, and provides recommendations for further effective management of land in populated areas in the Omsk region.

The article discusses the main issue of the mechanism for the effective use of land resources in the Saratov region in the implementation of the «Land for Construction» project, and also presents the strengths and weaknesses of this project. Statistical data on land plots of the Saratov region with the potential to be involved in circulation for housing construction are given.

The article is devoted to the study of the main engineering-geological factors affecting the stability of gas pipelines and power lines. The authors consider geomorphological conditions, soil types, hydrogeological features, seismic activity, and cryogenic processes. Methods for diagnosing hazardous processes are presented, and engineering solutions to ensure the reliability of structures in complex natural conditions are proposed.

This article presents the results of research in the field of assessing the condition of agricultural lands for their subsequent return to agricultural use, based on aerial photography materials obtained using the Russian hardware-software complex for aerotopographic survey with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) "Geoscan 201". A comprehensive technology for monitoring the condition and use of agricultural land is presented to ensure their rational and efficient use and protection, and to establish protective measures for the country's food security as a top-priority state task. Particular attention is paid to the planning and organization of aerial photography with an unmanned aerial system (UAS), preparation of flight documentation, obtaining permits, approvals, external pilot and UAV licenses, and geodetic support for aerial photography. The technology of processing aerial images in the domestic digital photogrammetric system (DPS) Agisoft Metashape Professional for creating true digital orthophoto maps (TDOC) and digital terrain models (DTM) of the returned agricultural lands is also considered. Interpretation, analysis, and assessment of the results were carried out in Russian software – the computer-aided design (CAD) system NanoCAD.