Summary of Working Paper No. 111-1998
IV.4.1:
The aim of this paper is to analyse the sociocultural living conditions of
indigenous peoples of the Russian Arctic, and assess the influence of expanded use
of the NSR on these conditions. The study deals with two major problems in
accordance with the recommendations set out in the description of Project IV.4.1.
The first problem to be dealt with is the social and economic demography of
indigenous peoples in the NSR zone. The second one is impact assessment of
expanded use of the NSR on indigenous peoples.
Settling, demography and labour potential of indigenous peoples of the Arctic
Zone are analysed in the first section of the paper. A study of possible
consequences of demographic development of northern peoples is made for the Arctic
regions greatly affected by the NSR; they are: Murmansk Oblast, Nenets,
Yamal-Nenets, Taimyr, Chukot Autonomous Okrugs and Sakha Republic (Yakutia). The first
section also considers traditional economy, health protection, education,
government structures and administrative systems. Some steps to be taken for
normalisation of the social and economic demography of indigenous peoples are discussed
at the end of the first section.
The second problem concerned with positive influence of the NSR on living
conditions of indigenous peoples is discussed in the second section of the paper.
Four scenarios of the NSR development concerning interests of indigenous peoples
are considered with due regard to internal situation in Russia and foreign
policy in the Arctic. Commercial activity and positive changes of social
conditions of indigenous peoples could be stimulated by the development of international
navigation along the NSR. Proper measures to develop transport in areas, where
indigenous peoples live, are defined by the Federal Program