How the II Mountain Forum in Dagestan is Turning Regional Initiatives into the BRICS+ Agenda on Tourism, Ecology, and Cultural Infrastructure?

The catalyst was the launch of the II International Forum "Sustainable Development of Mountain Territories" in Makhachkala, along with the "Sodruzhestvo" Tourist Travel HUB, which brought together over 700 participants from Russia, CIS countries, and BRICS partners, including representatives from India and Iran. The opening and participant list were reported by the House of Friendship and regional media, as detailed in the report by RIA Dagestan and announced on air by RGVK "Dagestan".

What Became the Catalyst and Why is it Important for BRICS+ Business?

The catalyst was the integration of the environmental and tourism agenda in one location – Makhachkala. The forum was launched in parallel with the "Sodruzhestvo" Travel HUB and aims for practical solutions in protecting mountain ecosystems, developing tourism, and hospitality infrastructure, including the creation of new specially protected natural areas and modernization of accommodation services, as stated in the event's agenda.

An important signal for investors: regulators, municipalities, businesses, and experts are consolidated on one platform, increasing the likelihood of initiatives being translated into budgetary decisions and interregional projects.

How Did Key Players React: What Signals Did Moscow, the CIS, and BRICS Send?

The direct reaction was institutional. Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation Valentina Matvienko, through Vice-Speaker Inna Svyatenko, emphasized the role of municipalities and the legal framework. CIS IPA Secretary General Dmitry Kobitsky declared 2025 the Year of Mountain Tourism in the CIS. BRICS Forum President Purnima Anand proposed to "connect" Dagestan with BRICS countries and invited the head of the region for a visit to India, as reported by RIA Dagestan and complemented by business outcomes described by inbusiness.kz.

"Rational and careful use of these resources requires a comprehensive approach, the development and application of environmentally friendly, innovative technologies, and the formation of a regulatory legal framework."

This thesis was formulated by Valentina Matvienko in her greeting to the participants, which is confirmed in the review of discussions prepared by inbusiness.kz.

Purnima Anand's proposal for a "bridge" between Makhachkala, Dagestan, and BRICS countries is a signal to launch a continuous track of exchanges and joint projects on mountain tourism and sustainable development, which was directly voiced at the plenary session.

What Systemic Consequences Are Possible: Routes, Regulation, Staffing, and Monitoring?

Key systemic shifts include the institutionalization of the theme: 2025 is declared the Year of Mountain Tourism in the CIS. Concurrently, an interstate mountain tourism route is being established, and coordination in ecology and infrastructure is being strengthened, as evidenced by the organizers' speeches and the business program described by RIA Dagestan and confirmed by inbusiness.kz.

The human resources and education sector is already expanding: the "Voice of the Mountains" youth forum brought together over 200 participants from five countries under the guidance of experts, and the legal track is discussing the application of the CIS model law "On the Conservation and Development of Mountain Territories," as reported by "Molodjozh Dagestana."

The cultural layer, enhancing tourist attractiveness, is synchronized with the official program: delegations including Purnima Anand, Inna Svyatenko, and others visited the A. Takhо-Godi National Museum of Dagestan, which houses over 180,000 exhibits and features a strong ethnographic collection, as highlighted by "Lezgi gazeta."

What Tactical Opportunities and Risks Are Opening for Companies Now?

The immediate windows of opportunity lie in tourism, hospitality, and cultural infrastructure, plus related "green" technology niches:

• Development of hotel infrastructure, transport logistics, and active/eco-tourism services in mountainous regions.
• Partnerships for creating protected natural areas and nature trails with minimal environmental impact.
• Cultural and museum projects as attractions for tourist traffic and platforms for public-private initiatives.
• Educational and volunteer programs to support mountain communities and train tourism sector professionals.

The investment impulse in cultural infrastructure is confirmed by the updated roadmap for the reconstruction of the Chelyabinsk Circus: design work is estimated at 73 million rubles (survey and design documentation), and the reconstruction itself is approximately 2 billion rubles, with work scheduled for 2026–2028, according to procurement materials and regional publications, as reported by Pchela.News and detailed by "Pravda UrFO."

Adding to the cultural sphere in Dagestan is the renovated V.M. Makarova Museum of Military Glory: its area has increased by 2.5 times, it houses over 4,000 exhibits, and new thematic zones have been opened (Afghanistan, Special Military Operation, Border Service). The presentation was held for the BRICS Forum delegation and federal guests, as noted in reports by "Golos Stepі" and confirmed by "Lezgi Gazeta."

To undertake projects in mountainous territories, early engagement with municipal agendas, environmental expertise, and regulatory support will be required—these are precisely the elements repeatedly emphasized by speakers, focusing attention on the legal framework, the role of municipal governance, and "green" technological approaches.

An independent resource includes volunteer and ESG initiatives. The fifth International Forum of Civic Participation #WEARETOGETHER (Dec. 2–5, Moscow) expects over 20,000 participants and will launch the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development. The agenda includes memorandums on the establishment of the International Association DOBRO with the participation of CIS, BRICS, Asian, African, and Latin American countries, opening a channel for corporate programs in mountain communities, as informed by Regions.ru.

Conclusion for decision-makers: The Dagestan track has solidified political will, a regulatory framework (CIS, municipalities), an international BRICS avenue, and a registry of "quick wins" in cultural and tourism projects. For BRICS+ companies, this means it is time to enter consortia for routes, reserve plots for hotel and museum infrastructure, establish environmental standards, and build a talent pipeline—while the agenda is still being formed "on the ground" and roles are being assigned.