With growing importance of the global economy, one of the basic natural resources − intensity of land use − is also increasing, which often is the cause of land degradation processes. The causes and manifestations of brownfields are diverse, and their elimination is the first prerequisite for the sustainable use of land resources and development of each region. Improvement, maximal and efficient engagement in economic activity of brownfields is one of the key challenges for sustainable resource use that makes significant contribution to regional development. The reuse of brownfields has significant impact on sustainable development as it meets all three of its objectives: improving the economy, improving social cohesion and the environment. The aim of the article is on the basis of special literature examples to examine issues of sustainable development, evaluation and restoration of brownfields, transformation of brownfields into recreational areas, as well as further use of brownfields in cities and rural areas.

The issues of environmental protection, prevention of degradation and reclamation of damaged land are currently very significant and relevant. As damaged land has been observed the land where low productivity and low economic potential have arisen and natural productivity of ecosystems is changed due to human-caused activities. The nature and extent of the violation depends on the type, depth and duration of anthropogenic impact, on adopted system of work organization and the conditions of the environment. Black soil dominates in the soil cover in Samara region; therefore there has been developed agricultural production. However there are located large oilfields and gas fields, which are under active exploitation and reduction of vegetation, dumping technological sites, laying trenches for pipelines, etc. have been noticed, which leads to formation of technogenic soils, damaged land cover, loss of soil fertility and land use type change. There special restoration measure − reclamation should be putted into practice on the territory of all categories of land, but especially on agricultural land. The aim of the article is to study the situation with damaged agricultural land in Samara region of Russia and to develop scientifically based proposals for regeneration of its fertility after reclamation measures. The problems of pollution of agricultural land in the region have been investigated, main sources and types of pollution have been analysed, as well as legal, methodological and environmental protection documents on land reclamation have been studied. The peculiarities of reclamation of land on federal, municipal and property level have been considered. The article presents measures for reclamation of the land on the example of natural monopolies in the territory of the Samara region.

Wetlands are the most important natural resources; they are the sources of biological, cultural, and economic diversity. The article presents an analysis of the current situation of the wetland area in Klaipeda County. Analytical, comparative, statistical, and logical analysis methods were used for the investigation. The aim of the investigation is to carry out the analysis of Klaipeda County’s wetland area during the period between the years 2002 and 2022. In 2022, wetlands occupied 1.21 percent of Klaipeda’s County, i.e. 6,337.53 ha. In 2002, the area of wetlands in Klaipeda County was 1.68 percent and occupied 8,748.33 ha. So, in Klaipeda County during the period between the years 2002 and 2022 wetland area decreased by 2,410.80 ha or 27.56 percent. After the analysis of the change in wetland areas in the districts of Klaipeda County, it can be seen that in all municipalities, wetland areas decreased in the period of 2002–2022. Many wetlands in Klaipeda County have been exploited and managed for various purposes. Large wetland areas have been drained and reclaimed mainly for agriculture and the establishment of human settlements. Monitoring and inventory of wetlands are important for of conserving and managing wetland resources. An important element of all peatland restoration projects is a programme of monitoring to check results and progress. The aim of the investigation is to carry out the analysis of the Klaipeda County wetland area during the period between the years 2002 and 2022.