Ecora: An Integrated Ecosystem Management Approach

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Georgy Kulakovsky

hunting quotas be reallocated to allow for more sustainable harvests

introduce new technologies which may secure the sustainable development of reindeer husbandry, not only in the Model Area, but also in other regions of the Russian North. The objectives of this pilot project are to: develop recommendations for the sustainable • use and long term conservation of reindeer rangelands; introduce new, innovative methods for reindeer • management; secure sustainable reindeer husbandry; • secure employment opportunities, and provide • social and economic security for those involved in reindeer enterprises; and develop proper management models in • cooperation with relevant Russian and international expertise. The pilot project will: Study reindeer husbandry in the region’s • communities, including the organization and viability of enterprises, work conditions, management issues, etc.; Investigate production capacities on the • “Тurvaurgin”, “Nutendli” and “Tchaila” rangelands by means of ground surveys in order to develop annual migratory route schemes (these schemes take into account rangeland quality and grazing capacity in different seasons, presence or absence of biting insects, predators, etc. Moving herds will help maintain the health of the pastures and so maintain the physiological condition of reindeer); In cooperation with the communities, develop • route schemes of reindeer breeding brigades for a better and long-term use of available rangelands; Conduct studies of the socioeconomic conditions • of reindeer herders;

Status: Implementationof thispilot projectwill continue through 2009. Scientific and methodical recommendations on monitoring and sustainable use of bird resources will eventually be presented to the authorities of the Sakha Republic/Yakutia to help the sustainability of local people’s traditional harvests.

Activity 3: Sustainable reindeer breeding in the Kolyma River Basin

Rationale: Reindeer husbandry is one of the most important economic activities in the Kolyma River Basin Model Area. Domestic reindeer are crucial for the support of local people’s nomadic lifestyles providing them with housing materials, clothes, utensils, food, and transportation. Reindeer husbandry is also essential for culture, social relations, and spiritual life. Several years ago, a moratorium on domestic reindeer use and a protection of herds had serious consequences. Lack of economic incentives led to wage cuts, declining living standards, and deterioration of equipment and infrastructure. The reindeer population increased in some communities, which in turn led to rangeland deterioration and increased wolf predation. However, lack of access to meat and other products from domestic reindeer also triggered extensive hunting of wild reindeer, with a subsequent drastic decrease of that population. The development and implementation of a pilot project relating to sustainable reindeer breeding was, therefore, welcomed by the communities, the local administration, and authorities of the Sakha Republic/ Yakutia. Major efforts are now being made to restore the domestic reindeer population, improve the living and working conditions of reindeer breeders, and