Arctic reindeer herding in Yakutia in the context of industrial development of the territory: conflict of interest or prospects for cooperation

Abstract

The article considers the environmental problems of the Arctic zone of Yakutia and their impact on the state of the agro-industrial complex and, in particular, reindeer herding. The lack of regional policy effectiveness in addressing the issue of improving the effectiveness of reindeer herding has determined the goal of the study to analyze and assess the possible negative impact on the industrial development industry of the Arctic zone of Yakutia. The development of the Arctic of Russia is currently one of the most important tasks of state policy. At the same time, the active development of mining, processing of minerals, transport infrastructure in the Arctic leads to increasing pressure on the environment of this macro-region. The industrial development of the Arctic territories makes most of the reindeer pastures unusable. Soil degradation and pollution of pastures worsen the fodder base of reindeer herding and lead to a decrease in the quality of the industry. As a result, the reindeer mortality is increasing; the business output and safety of Tuguts are decreasing. Due to the accumulated problems, there is a large-scale reduction in the reindeer herd in the Arctic zone of Yakutia. At the same time, the industrial development of the Arctic zone of Yakutia, besides the negative factors, can provide indigenous peoples with the opportunity to develop by building relations correctly. Reindeer farms have an additional market for their products, as well as the possibility of intensive development of processing and the creation of additional jobs. To achieve the goal, the author conducts the study using various scientific methods, and at each stage they differ. When forming the base the author have searched scientific publications, scientific literature, including in Russian and international databases. Statistical materials, data and other information provided by the Territorial Body of the Federal State Statistics Service and the State executive bodies of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) compose the initial data on the basis of which the author have carried out her study. In addition, she applies empirical methods (observation, calculations, etc.), and graphically interprets statistical data.