Environmental Protection and Infrastructure

NOTE: You can find articles, discussion questions, and other resources related to this module below.

The Sakha Republic and Extractive Industries

• The Soviet and Russian governments’ interactions with Indigenous peoples had a direct impact on these governments' approaches toward
  environmental protection and conservation and economic development.
• The Sakha Republic is about 20% of the landmass of Russia, making it an absolutely immense territory.
• It has deposits of gold and diamonds and still undeveloped gas and oil reserves.
• Many Sakha are employed by the companies that extract resources.
• Much of the wealth from these natural resources leave the republic.

Discussion Questions

Is Russia’s current approach to developing or extracting resources a form of colonization? How might it be similar or different from the types of colonialism you have learned about?



 

“Kirovsk, a mining town located in the Kola Peninsula, Russia” Photo credit: Ingrid Bay-Larsen

Environmental Degradation in the Sakha Republic

• The Vilyuy River, located in the eastern area of the Sakha Republic, used to be a thriving ecosystem; however, its environment has gradually been destroyed.
• Collective industrial farming during the Soviet period, as well as unregulated diamond mining in the area, polluted the river water. This led to the destruction of the ecosystem, as well as increasing illnesses and deaths among the Sakha who live nearby.
• Between 1974 and 1987, the government also performed underground nuclear tests in the area without the knowledge of the inhabitants. The fallout from these tests has been linked to higher rates of cancers and other diseases.

Discussion Questions

• Who are the stakeholders in this situation, and who should have the authority to decide what happens to the land? Why?
• How can we weigh the possible benefits and drawbacks of this type of development?

Case Study: The Saami People

• In 2019, the Saami people complained to the United Nations after a portion of their land was transferred to a private hunting farm.
• The land had previously been used as reindeer pastures.
• The Saami feared the land transfer would lead to the hunting of reindeer, which is illegal, and would also endanger the reindeer population in the area.
• The Saami people have traditionally been dependent on reindeer herding for their livelihood.
• Ultimately, the Saami came to the conclusion that the hunting club would attract investments into the area.

“Reindeer in the Yamal Peninsula, Russia.” Photo: Vasily Fedosenko, Reuters

Debate: Economic Benefits Versus Preservation of the Environment and Traditions

Have students discuss the balance between these two sides. If you want, you can divide the class into two sides to debate the issue or have it as an open-ended discussion in the class. Prompt students to reflect on the different approaches to these questions in Russia and the US.

Consider the following questions:

• What does reading the article on the Saami people and the hunting club tell you about how Indigenous people in Russia work to preserve their way of life?
• How do environmental issues impact Indigenous peoples’ lives in Russia?
• What might prompt an Indigenous community to acquiesce to the wishes of extractive industry, and what might be the repercussions or potential benefits of doing so?
• To what extent do Indigenous communities exercise agency in interacting with extractive industries and companies?