Abstract: In his article Makarov discusses the grounds for international cooperation in the sphere of conjunctive use of transboundary waters and their practical implementation based on the example of the Lake Baikal basin. The author describes the nature of mutual relations of riparian countries and specific problems of the conjunctive water use. He also systematizes the main principles and patterns of mutually beneficial use of transboundary waters and gives recommendations regarding the development of mutually beneficial cooperation between Russia and Mongolia for the purpose of protecting transboundary waters and economic development in the Lake Baikal basin. Using the methods and provisions of the theories of games, economics and international relations, the author describes the conceptual grounds and offers a set of measures aimed at development of the economic basis for mutually beneficial use of transboundary waters in the Lake Baikal basin. These measures ensure the balance between ecological and economic interests of Russia and Mongolia as part of the generally recognized sytem of international cooperation principles and rules. For the first time in the academic literature the author makes a statement about assymetrical access to water resources as a fundamental problem in conjunctive use of transboundary waters. The researcher also describes the main provisions of using the approach of benefit sharing as the key solution of water use conflicts. Makarov also gives a forecast of transboundary effects from the side of Mongolia and discovers that Mongolia's plans to develop hydraulic power industry create unfavorable conditions for Russia's environment. The author also describes the main areas to be developed in order to reinfoce the mutually beneficial cooperation between Russia and Mongolia aimed at protection of transboundary waters in the Lake Baikal basin. Taking into account that the best solution of the environmental issue for Russia would be an alternative source of energy used in a neighboring country, it is important for Russia to participate in the projects of thermal power development. A number of conclusions made in this research have been already declared in 2016 as part of intergovernmental counselling on the issues of conjunctive water use and trade and economic cooperation. 
 

Abstract: Due to the plans of Mongolian government on realization of a number of major resource and infrastructure projects, the problem of ensuring environmental security in the Lake Baikal basin gained special relevance for Russia. This article examines the economic development strategy of Mongolia in the medium term prospects, which is based on the development of mineral deposits, as well as the energy and transportation infrastructure. The review is given to the largest projects which figure in the official and departmental documents of the adjacent state. The energy policy of Mongolia and the prospects for development of hydroelectricity in the Selenga River basin are being analyzed. Within the framework of the strategic environmental assessment the author explores the consequences of the major economic projects on the Mongolian territory that can produce a significant transboundary effect on the environmental situation, health and safety of the population in the Russia’s part of Lake Baikal basin. The potential problems in the Russia-Mongolia relations in the field of the joint use and protection of the transboundary waters are being determined. The conclusion is made that reaching the balance in the environmental and economic interests of Russia and Mongolia is possible in the context of mutually beneficial collaborations in the energy sector.