Traditional Nature Management and Environmental Protection of the North (Part 1)

The subject of this work comprises legal norms related to Indigenous small-numbered peoples and traditional nature management, as well as provisions of strategic planning documents addressing this topic. The aim of the study is to formulate conclusions and proposals aimed at improving legal regulation in this area, based on an analysis of federal and regional legislation, strategic planning documents, and information about Indigenous small-numbered peoples, traditional nature management, and the state of the environment. The research employs general scientific, specialized, and specific methods, including synthesis, analysis, deduction, generalization, analogy, induction, formal legal method, and others. The relevance of the topic is underscored by two key factors. On the one hand, the right to traditional nature management is a crucial element in preserving the culture of Indigenous peoples residing in the Russian Federation, as it is through traditional economic activities that ethnic clothing, household items, folklore, and language are maintained. On the other hand, the ability to engage in traditional nature management is significantly impacted by both industrial development in the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation and the North in general, as well as climate change. Thus, there are numerous challenges in safeguarding the right to traditional nature management, which must be addressed, among other means, through legal regulation. The study presents several conclusions and proposals. For instance, given that traditional nature management is entirely dependent on the environment and natural resources, it seems logical to consider the possibility of its full implementation as an indicator of a favorable environmental state. The study also notes that the provisions of strategic planning documents concerning Indigenous small-numbered peoples can serve as a foundation for both improving existing legislation and developing new laws related to traditional nature management and environmental protection in the areas where it is practiced.