Preface

International Scientific and Practical Forum on Natural Resources, the Environment, and Sustainability – NRES 2020 22-23 October 2020, Altai State University, Barnaul, Russia The International Scientific and Practical Forum on Natural Resources, the Environment, and Sustainability (NRES 2020) was held at the Altai State University in Barnaul, Russia on October 22-23, 2020. The Forum became a unique platform for leading scientists, teachers, experts, and practitioners studying the development of natural systems, advances in environmental research, and sustainability of complex human-natural systems. Forum participants were offered with numerous opportunities to present results of their breakthrough research, exchange knowledge and experiences, and discuss current problems and trends. The Organizers received 420 submissions from Russia and abroad. All of them were peer-reviewed, and a total of 67 papers were selected to be published in final proceedings. The papers discuss a broad area in natural resources, environmental studies, and sustainability research. The following forum sessions were held: (1) Natural Resources and Conservation: Strategies for a Sustainable Future ; (2) Advances in Environmental Research and Development ; (3) Sustainability of Human-Made and Coupled Human-Natural Systems ; (4) Science, Technology, and Sustainable Development Goals: Key Challenges, Contemporary Trends, and Advanced Practices. The Forum was addressed by two key speakers. (1) Alexander A. Chibelev , Doctor of Geography, Professor, Academian (RAS), Founder & Chief Scholar, Steppe Institute, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Orenburg, Russia; Vice President of the Russian Geographical Society, Moscow, Russia. Dr. Chibelev is one of the most influential Russian geographers, a specialist in the field of landscape ecology and natural conservation. (2) Marina M. Silanteva, Doctor of Biology, Professor, Dean, Faculty of Biology, Altai State University, Barnaul, Russia. Topic: Syntaxonomic and Ecological Peculiarities of Extra-Zonal Pine Forests with Participation of Acer Negundo L. from the Forest-Steppe and Steppe Zones of Altaiskiy Kray (South-Eastern Siberia) . Dr. Silanteva is one of the leading scholars at the Altai State University and the whole Siberian Federal District. She was one of the initiators and scientific coordinators of the international (Russian-German) and interdisciplinary research project Kulunda (2011-2016). The project was dedicated to the development and implementation of innovative strategies for land use and sustainable development of rural areas. Representing a diverse range of backgrounds and advanced research results, the book is an indispensable source of cutting-edge information on natural resources, sustainable development, coupled human-natural systems, and innovative technologies. Due to its practical focus, the volume appeals to practitioners and policymakers working in agricultural economics, natural resource management and conservation, governance, and sustainability, not just academics. This is also a valuable resource for graduate students interested in human-nature interactions, agricultural systems, and sustainability. With best regards, Svetlana G. Maximova, Dr., Professor Altai State University, 61 Lenina prospekt, Barnaul 656049 Russia Email: maksimova@socio.asu.ru