State policy on the exploration of biological resources of Yugra in 1960–1975

Abstract

The aim of the article is to show the process of natural resources exploration as a clash between traditional and modernisation models of development of the North of Siberia on the example of the ecological history of Yugra in the 20th century. The methods of historical research, source analysis and synthesis were used to achieve this aim.

Evidence shows this process was most active in the North of Western Siberia, specifically in Yugra, between 1960–1975. The inclusion of biological resources in the new economic context is studied. Characterising the institutional basis of use and protection, the author answered questions on how the significance of biological resources changed for national and regional economic and political institutions, the expert com- munity, and the local population. The large-scale development of the extractive industry negatively affected the development of Yugra’s biological resources in 1960–1975. The industries that relied on the use of biological resources lost their independent economic significance, being completely subjected to the objectives and needs, first of all, of the oil industry. Fishing, hunting, forestry became auxiliary in the economy of Yugra. Effectively developing the biological resources of the Siberian North and preserving the natural environment of the region required developing a regional policy in all its aspects: economic, scientific, ecological, etc. This task remained uncompleted during the Soviet period. The present stage of the North’s development requires consideration of this historical experience.