M.A. Zhukov^*, V.V. Filippov^**, N.A. Kadashova^*, V.N. Krainov^*, V.M. Telesnina^***

Аbstract. The propositions on optimization of the Russian Arctic Zone (RAZ) structure are presented. It is substantiated to include Abyisky, Verkhnekolymsky, Zhigansky, Momsky, Oleneksky Srednekolymsky and Even-Bytantaisky districts of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), a part of Evenkiysky district of Krasnoyarsky kray into the Russian Arctic Zone. It is proposed to exclude the south part of Turukhansky district (Krasnoyarsky kray) from the RAZ structure. A special attention is paid to the history of the problem in view of legislative acts and guidelines of the government agencies. Also, our earlier published materials are generalized. Implementation of the recommendations will provide the improvement of the RAZ structure and optimization of procedures of its territorial and spatial planning. The correspondence of the territories proposed to including into the RAZ, as well as the territories proposed to excluding, with the elaborated system of the criteria is presented in the form of a generalizing table. Key words: Arctic zone structure, criteria, natural factors, Arctic specificity, natural and economic systems.