Formation of an ecological framework of the urban environment in arid conditions

The article scientifically substantiates the formation of the ecological frame of the urban area in arid conditions. The object of research is the greening system of the city of Elista, the capital of the Republic of Kalmykia. The main methods of the study are analytical, cameral and comparative geographical methods. The study shows that the intensity of traffic, physical, geographical and meteorological conditions and the condition of streets affect the gas content of the city's air basin. The zones of active pollution by emissions into the air are intersections and stops of public transport. The dust-collecting capacity of leaves of certain types of vegetation does not adequately ensure the sanitary and hygienic state of the city's atmospheric air. Based on the principle of a systematic approach to the problem, ecological-functional zoning of urban landscapes, as the basis of the ecological framework, has been carried out. The structure and its main elements that can act as "cores" and "corridors" of the ecological framework are presented. The study found that open, unconverted spaces account for about 26% of the city's area. The implementation of the principles of forming an ecological frame and the broader use of conifers for landscaping in Elista is aimed at solving an urgent problem, namely, improving the ecological situation in the city and providing a favourable, comfortable environment for the population in arid conditions.