In late January 2024, Anadyr, the capital of the Chukotka Autonomous Area, will host the annual gathering of representatives from the region's indigenous minorities. Over 100 delegates from the Chukchi, Even and Inuit communities, along with guests from YNAA, Moscow and Kamchatka, will participate in shaping the current agenda for modernising and developing traditional nature management in Russia. Indeed, it appears that archaic and centuries-old practices like nomadic reindeer herding, sea hunting and fishing also require constant adaptation to present economic conditions.

On one hand, traditional economic activities form the economic and social foundation for the reproduction of indigenous peoples — the culture of the Northern peoples is deeply rooted in their daily life. Decades of research and practical experiments have demonstrated that only in their 'natural environment' can smaller ethnic groups maintain their cultural identity, language and ancestral customs. Within the context of today's urban industrial civilisation, indigenous populations are diminishing due to their small size and the pressures of societal processes. To thrive in a city, it would be beneficial to have a desirable profession, fluency in a foreign language and the ability to skilfully navigate relationships with management companies, neighbours and financial institutions. The knowledge of the Inuit language, songs about walrus hunting and over a hundred definitions of snow are deemed irrelevant and are therefore forgotten. As evidenced by the USSR's experience, all the efforts of scholars with their textbooks, dictionaries and folk music and dance groups proved futile in this context.

On the other hand, it's no longer feasible to herd reindeer and hunt walruses as was done in the 11th century. A few years ago, Russian authorities embarked on a path of gently integrating the traditional nature management practices of indigenous peoples into the modern economy, where they will hold a unique position. Among other topics, the assembly of indigenous peoples will discuss the implementation of a satellite monitoring system for reindeer herds. The so-called 'satellite collars' are expected to reduce losses in herds, ensure the safety of reindeer and herders, and enhance oversight of farming practices. Authorities suggest installing a similar system on small vessels used by coastal Chukchi and Inuit for sea animal hunting. This system would be beneficial in situations where a hunting expedition goes awry and the crew and vessel need to be urgently rescued.

Among the pressing issues is the proposal to increase the salaries of employees in reindeer farming, marine animal processing, hunting and other sectors of this economy. According to a statement made last year by Vladislav Kuznetsov, the governor of Chukotka Autonomous Area, the wages of reindeer herders will see a 50% increase from 1 February, while sea animal hunters will receive a 20% raise.

In addition to wage increases, other initiatives will also be discussed. Last year, Chukotka established a non-profit Fund to support the material and technical development of traditional economic sectors. In December, the Arctic Santa Claus gifted several farms with three Taiga snowmobiles, three trailers and spare parts for the Pioner reindeer farm in the Egvekinot urban district. This is just a small part of the necessary equipment that will be acquired through the use of non-budgetary funds. The list of regional farm needs will be continually updated, and for this reason, representatives of indigenous peoples have been included in the fund's board to oversee the equipment procurement process.

Ultimately, the balanced development of traditional nature management practices should aid their integration into the overall economic framework of the AZRF and Russia specifically. Nomadic reindeer herding doesn't equate to solitude in the tundra, and whale hunters shouldn't be left alone to face the harsh sea.