The research features the current development problems of small Russian towns with depressed territories as in the case of the town of Karabash (Chelyabinsk region). Management of such areas affected by negative factors poses a challenge for local authorities. It is necessary to change the approach in designing such territories and reveal their attractiveness in terms of urban planning. The article describes some urgent environmental, economic and social problems of small towns. The example of Karabash has allowed the authors to draw a number of conclusions on a complex assessment of the territory to identify depressed areas. The article structures the relevant modern trends and methods obtained from scientific literature. The authors offer possible solutions for the problems of depressed territories.
Karabash, Ecology, concept, forest park, natural complex, ecological safety, the oppressed territory