Аннотация:Goal. The aim of this research is to shed light on the negative outcomes of excessive land privatization and development in the post-Soviet transition period in traditional resort areas. It will specifically examine the case of the Northern Caucasus area where the main challenge today is to find ways of restoring a sense of common good through the revision of existing planning laws and regulations. The paper also tries to explore the chances of reinstating to a certain extent some of the state’s role as main regulator and guarantor of the public domain.
Methods. The case was investigated using face to face interviews with local and regional authorities, property owners, and visitors to the Dombay resort. It was also performed through field visits in addition to analyzing satellite images, cadastral maps and property registry. The research was also based on a thorough understanding of the exiting Russian land and planning laws.
Results. The investigation has shown that the lack of public spaces significantly reduces the quality of the urban environment, the attractiveness of resorts and, consequently, the value of land. Finding tangible solutions requires joint efforts at various levels of government including the amendment of existing legislations on urban planning and land use and the development of various forms of public-private partnerships, which means the need to reassert the state's role in regulating urban development.
Scientific novelty. The paper shows connection of land use and urban environment’s quality that has significant influence on place’s touristic attractiveness. At the same time, this fact is not recognized by authorities and is not used in local policies. The survey showed a necessity to shift attention to long-term vision in constructing of municipal economic benefits and interrelation between different levels of governance.