Improving environmental effi ciency and sustainable development in the Eurasian economic union: potential of water resources, green infrastructure and recreational ecosystems

This article examines the ecological efficiency and prospects for sustainable development within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), with a focus on the strategic potential of recreational resources, water systems, and the emerging infrastructure of the green economy. The study employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining comparative environmental analysis, socio-economic data, and regional policy assessment to identify critical challenges and opportunities. The findings reveal a growing ecological imbalance across EAEU member states, driven by industrial overconcentration, urban expansion, and inefficient natural resource use. Particular attention is given to the underutilized potential of specially protected natural areas and ecotourism, which could serve as key instruments for economic diversification and rural development. The article also analyzes water resource management as a pivotal factor in regional sustainability and the tourism sector. Moreover, it evaluates the current trajectory of economic transformation toward green practices, emphasizing the role of import substitution, regional production specialization, and investment in low-carbon infrastructure. The study concludes with policy recommendations aimed at enhancing intergovernmental coordination, attracting investment in sustainable tourism, and fostering a resilient, ecologically balanced development model across the EAEU.