Labour resources as an indicator of sustainable development of rural territories in the North Asia

The article is a continuation of a series of publications devoted to the scientific research of optimization of natural and economic systems in model regions of North Asia for the purposes of spatial development. The article presents the results of a study of the problems of employment, labour resources and demographic development of special-use areas. The object of study is the municipal districts within the boundaries of which the Central Ecological Zone of the Baikal Natural Territory (CEZ BNT) in the Republic of Buryatia passes. The article emphasizes that significant restrictions on economic activity due to the special legal regime of natural resource use hinder socio-economic development of the territories and lead to the population decline. In the research we have used economic-statistical methods and comparative analysis. We consider that nature conservation targets must necessarily be accompanied by the creation of conditions for improving the quality of life of the population. Our conclusions and recommendations can be used by authorities when developing programs to promote employment and socio-economic development of regions.