Purpose: The aim of this study is to identify contemporary trends in environmental management in special economic zones. Transformations sustained by special economic zones in terms of the use of fiscal instruments in the past few years could become a real tool for combating environmental issues. Design/methodology/approach: The main source of research is the data of official sites of territories with special economic and ecological status. External secondary data research is based on publications of World Bank, UNIDO, GGGI, PEDL. Our own research is complementary and allows us to compare it with the secondary sources that underlie these considerations. Depending on the level of ecological development, a system of types of special territories is proposed. After summarizing the publications devoted to the practice of functioning of special territories with ecological orientation, the authors singled out the main components of the successful work of the "green" SEZs. Findings: A classification of "green" special economic zones has been created. The authors have analyzed and validated fiscal incentives encouraging the adoption of environmentally friendly practices in special economic zones. The key components of the successful operation of "green" SEZs have been distinguished and classified Research/practical implications: The proof of the efficiency of fiscal means of encouraging environmentally friendly practices in special economic zones and of the key components of green performance of special economic zones could be useful for SEZ planners in Russia, enabling them to take appropriate preventive measures. The results of this study could serve as a starting point for hypotheses in further research aimed, for example, at the development of a universal approach to evaluating the efficiency of fiscal mechanisms of environmental regulation in special economic zones in Russia. Originality/value: The article presents a comprehensive overview of applicable environmental regulation mechanisms in special economic zones. The study validates the key components, including fiscal instruments that pertain to successful eco-friendly green performance of special economic zones.
