Introduction. Currently, a number of large-scale projects for the formation and development of supporting zones of industrial and agricultural production are being implemented in the Arctic zone (AZ) of Russia. In the adopted Development Strategies of Russia and the Regions until 2030–2035, investment projects aimed at exploration and mining, development of transport, energy and housing infrastructures, ensuring food security of the region are provided for.

Obviously, the intensive development of large mineral deposits and the organization of the work of many industries and settlements in the AZ require solving the problems of population and supporting the traditional crafts of indigenous peoples [1].

Yakutia is one of the few regions, the population of which in the Arctic part is steadily declining. Since 1990, the number of inhabitants in it has more than halved. If in the 1990s it amounted to 148 thousand people, nowadays it is a little over 67 thousand. Over the past ten years, the population in the AZ of the republic has decreased by almost 9%. Temporary stay of workers employed in production on a rotational basis and remaining only in limited places of its concentration does not guarantee the achievement of the necessary population of the northern lands.

The world experience in the development and habitability of land in extreme conditions shows the increasing drive of indigenous peoples towards affordable consumer goods that are close in quality to urban ones. Thus, a number of important areas of socio-economic development of the Arctic territories of Russia [2] are identified, related to the need for industrial development of the territory, taking into account the specific interests and needs of the indigenous people of the North, adhering to traditional areas of management, living conditions and consumption [3].

Current state of food production in the arctic regions of Yakutia. The traditional forms of nature management of the Arctic territories—reindeer herding, hunting, fishing—are not currently the determining factors of their economic development. The main role belongs to the intensive development of large mineral deposits and the organization of the work of many industries, caused by the need to develop food potential in the Arctic [4, 5].

Currently, the share of agriculture in the production of gross municipal product of the AZ of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) is 3.3%. In arctic conditions, this industry is important for providing local people with agricultural products of their own production, for maintaining the traditional way of life of the local population and the cultural identity of indigenous peoples.

Under the subprogram for the development of traditional industries of the North, the state program of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) Development of Agriculture and Regulation of the Markets for Agricultural Products, Raw Materials and Food for 2012–2021, 24 subsidies are provided for the support and development of reindeer husbandry. In 2012–2018, state support amounted to more than 4 billion rubles. At the beginning of 2019, the AZ of Yakutia contained 106.3 thousand head of deer, or 72.5% of their total number in the republic. Despite state support, in 2019, compared to 2010, the number of deer decreased by 16.2% [6]. Meanwhile, the production of meat and venison products has significant export potential in the context of their environmental friendliness. After 2000, in connection with cases of “mad cow disease” in many countries of Europe (as an alternative to beef), the wider use of game (deer, elk, roe deer) is being considered.

In the framework of the subprogram Development of the Fishery Complex of the state program of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) Development of Agriculture and Regulation of Agricultural Products, Raw Materials and Food Markets for 2012–2021, from 2015, funds have been allocated to the Arctic regions for the construction of fishing bases, glaciers, acquisition of cross-country vehicles, boats, refrigerated containers and fish processing equipment. In the conditions of the country’s Arctic territories, in relation to the development of the agricultural sector, it is advisable to develop technologies using ice as a structural material for food storage facilities.

The relatively low ecological burden, the high level of development of traditional types of economy create the potential sufficient for the integrated development of coastal fishing, largely due to the participation of the indigenous population. Modernization of the agro-industrial complex, increasing demand for environmentally friendly products will allow for deep nonwaste processing of reindeer and fishery products, ensure the development of fish farming and the food industry, satisfy domestic food demand and enter new markets, including export, create new jobs for the population of the Arctic regions.

Thus, the development and support of traditional crafts should be seen as a form of green employment for the local population [7, 8].

One of the main life-supporting activities is hunting. The main objects of hunting are wild reindeer, white fox, sable, muskrat, and squirrel. Their significant resources are available in the AZ of the republic.

The number of cattle in all Arctic regions of the republic tends to decrease. In 2018, compared with the average for 2010–2017, livestock decreased by 58.7% (to 5737 head). This decrease is due to the high cost of purchasing feed. About half of the livestock is kept in private farms, 30% in peasant farms, and 20% in agricultural organizations.

The strategy for socioeconomic development of the Arctic zone of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) until 2035 (2019) provides for the project “Arctic Stud Farms”, the creation of unique types of products for processing meat from Kolyma and Yang breed of horses, and Yakut indigenous cattle. At present, the food and processing industry in the AZ of the republic is underdeveloped (Table 1).

Table 1.   Food production in the AZ Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)
Full size table

Greenhouse products are produced in extremely insufficient amounts. If in the central regions of the European part of Russia vegetables and fruits grown in enclosed ground are consumed in the amount of 32 kg/person per year, then in the northern regions of the country, in Siberia, where they are almost the only source of vitamins, their content in the diet is only 7 kg/person.

According to the data on the state of agricultural production in the northern territories (using the example of the AZ of Yakutia), the problem of providing residents with locally produced products and, therefore, the required population of the territories of the North, has not been sufficiently solved.

Most successfully, this problem can be solved by guaranteed land secured for the indigenous small peoples of the North and their tribal communities to maintain and develop traditional crafts. Meanwhile, the development of oil and gas and mineral resources directly affects the interests of the local indigenous peoples of the North, a significant part of which leads a traditional lifestyle [9]. In the North of Russia, for 1990–2018, indigenous peoples’ fishing areas decreased by 47.5% due to the expansion of oil and gas fields.

Comparison of the development problems of the northern territories of Russia and Northern America, Canada, Norway. An analysis of foreign experience indicates the search for adequate scenarios for the sustainable development of the Arctic territories [10, 11]. Given the similar climatic conditions of Alaska, Northern Canada, Norway and Russia, noticeable differences in the reclamation and development of these territories are not in favor of Russia (Table 2).

Table 2.   Production and sales of traditional industry products of indigenous people
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In the implementation of social policy in foreign countries and Russia, the differences in a number of indicators are not too great. So, in the US health care system, an average of 54% of services are provided by the state. In Alaska, this part is 70%, in the northern regions of Russia, 84%. In US colleges, 23% of students study for free, in Alaska, 40%, and in Russia, 52%.

The system of privileges for the local population in the state of Alaska, the northern provinces of Canada, and the polar regions of Norway differs from the Russian one. It provides for the exemption of individuals from taxes. In Russia, in particular, in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), in 2019, on a proactive basis, a decision was made to exempt residents of the Arctic regions from a number of taxes. At the legislative level, the issue of zeroing the transport tax, property tax of individuals, and land tax is also being resolved. Financial support for agricultural territories of Russia is carried out in line with the national policy for the protection of agricultural labor [16, 17].

In Alaska, the evidence of social concern can be considered stimulation of the development of the meat food base, dairy, and poultry farms. From a pragmatic point of view, there is no particular need for farmers; from Seattle, products are delivered literally in one day. But Alaskans prefer local produce [12]. Alaska’s private capital contributes to the federal and regional treasury, and also allocates funds for social needs, including support for indigenous people in the amount of 40–50% of their income, which is significantly higher than in other states. In Russia, as part of the social and environmental responsibility of business, measures are also being taken to support the indigenous people of the North at the expense of extracting companies [2, 18].

Comparing the similarities and differences in the ways of socioeconomic development of the northern territories of Russia and other countries, one should note a common main feature: external support of the economy and life of the population living in extreme conditions of the North. In Alaska, the northern provinces of Canada, and Norway, support is actively provided by large and medium-sized capital, for which the state, in turn, uses economic and administrative and legal incentives to provide such support. In Russia, support measures are currently being implemented mainly by the state at the expense of federal and regional budgets.

Prospects for the economic development of the northern territories of Yakutia and their indigenous population. The most urgent tasks of the socioeconomic development of the North in the near future should include:

–Growth of industrial production, including high-tech.

–Preservation and general improvement of the environment, especially in places where people live.

–Development of ecological and ethnological tourism.

–Prevention of demographic desertification of territories, entailing geopolitical losses for the country.

The implementation of these tasks is provided for in the regional development strategies of AZ of the Russian Federation until 2030 [6].

According to prospective estimates, as a result of the implementation of measures to support traditional crafts, the harvesting of wild reindeer meat in the Arctic regions of Yakutia will increase by 2024 to 1000 tons in slaughter weight. Support for small-capacity projects for the deep processing of fish and the production of fish products with high added value or with unique consumer properties, as well as feed from waste products will also improve the resource base for the production of raw materials and finished products in the agricultural sector of the region.

The development of a system for procuring velvet antlers, furs, and processing reindeer herding products and hunting is also aimed at creating conditions for the production and sale of export-oriented products. In this regard, measures are envisaged to provide economic incentives for deep nonwaste processing of reindeer husbandry products and financial support (in the form of subsidies) for the purchase of slaughter shops, and the organization of the collection of endocrine enzyme raw materials in reindeer herds.

The Arctic regions of the republic are very favorable for conducting animal breeding from the point of view of the availability of food supply (trash fish and fish industry waste). Breeding of caged animals (sable, Norwegian type silver-black fox), pelts of which are a popular raw material for light industry enterprises and the most export-oriented type of fur raw materials, will diversify production, strengthen cross-industry ties, create new jobs in arctic areas. According to estimates, since 2024, processing and production of products from fur and leather and fur raw materials may amount to 85 million annually.

An assessment of the berry, mushroom and grass potentials of the AZ of the republic made by the Academy of Sciences of Yakutia shows that the possible annual volumes of procurement of medicinal raw materials, berries, mushrooms and walnuts here are 36 tons, 3993.8 tons, 2112.5 tons and 2220.0 tons, respectively. Moreover, in the Arctic regions, the collection and harvesting of plant resources for personal consumption of the population is recommended. The Academy of Sciences also carries out a research program on the formation of food technologies and diets based on traditional products of the North.

In the centers of municipal districts, it seems appropriate to develop the processing sectors of the agro-industrial complex, including the processing of meat, dairy products and fishery products, by creating a complete “production–processing–sale” cycle with the introduction of modern technologies at all stages of the product life cycle. The development of the traditional industries of the North (cattle and horse breeding, livestock breeding) is associated with the need to provide the local population with meat, fish and milk of their own production, and food security in this region.

The Northern Supply Haul still has a special role in ensuring food security in the Arctic regions – the guaranteed provision of fuel and energy resources and food to the populated areas of the AZ. The Government of the Republic annually approves the need for the delivery of life-supporting goods in the context of municipalities and major enterprises. The list of socially significant food products includes 12 items: flour, pasta, vegetable oil, cereals, tea, salt, sugar, meat and fish products, dried and condensed milk, processed and canned fruits and vegetables. In addition, the assortment of these food products includes baby food, milk and dairy products, eggs, vegetables and melons, fresh fruits, margarine, sausages and confectionery. The number of settlements of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), which provides for the delivery of socially significant food products, includes 268 settlements, of which 97 are the AZ settlements.

Support for projects for the development of traditional crafts, production and purchase of food products from local raw materials will not only reduce the severity of the problem of the Northern Supply Haul, but also create the prerequisites for the supply of traditional crafts to other regions of the country and abroad, given the high environmental standards of such products.

In this regard, the experience of a number of extracting companies (Almazy Anabara JSC, Arctic Capital LLC) in purchasing traditional crafts, food products for their own needs, as well as financing projects for the processing of such products under the Social economic development of the territory between the mining company, local authorities, the indigenous population and their tribal communities, deserves attention and dissemination [19, 20].

In the agricultural sector, measures are envisaged to stimulate employment and self-employment of the population, the organization of procurement of industrial products in regional centers, the creation of infrastructure (logistics centers, purchase of transport for shipping operations), the modernization of production by creating complexes for the deep processing of reindeer husbandry and fishing products. Implementation of the project “Construction of trade and logistics centers” with the assistance of the Development Fund of the Far East, the development of a regional law on trading posts will radically improve the food security of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia).

The solution of the tasks set for the development of the agro-industrial complex is closely connected with the construction of affordable, energy-efficient, safe and comfortable housing suitable for the conditions of the Arctic. In the Republic, it is planned to implement the project Typical House for the Arctic, which meets the modern requirements of wear resistance, prefabrication, energy efficiency, environmental friendliness in the Arctic.

An important task is the implementation of the Workers for the Arctic project. It provides for the expansion of vocational training, retraining and advanced training programs for the adult population, as well as the opening of new professions and specialties, such as the “Reindeer herder-mechanic,” “Huntsman,” “Taxidermist,” “Commercial hunter,” “Teepee mistress.”

The project on the modernization of the reindeer husbandry and fishery complex sectors involves the continuation of the implementation of subprograms for the competitive distribution of the state budget of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) for the purchase of industry modernization facilities (fishing bases, slaughter houses, refrigeration equipment, cross-country vehicles, etc.) with an increase in the share of cofinancing initiator of the application, which will increase the annual volume of fish catch up to 6000 tons and the volume of deep processing of fish up to 2000 tons by 2024.

The project Model Territories of Indigenous Minorities of the North deserves special attention, the purpose of which is to create a model of the territory with the official status of “a cluster of traditional management of indigenous peoples of the North” in the central part of the Zhigansky district. This model territory provides for the creation of an economy that will be based on the integrated use of local natural resources, the production of environmentally friendly products and the provision of tourism services.

The Model Territories of Indigenous Minorities of the North project deserves special attention, the purpose of which is to create a model of the territory with the official status of “a cluster of traditional farming of indigenous peoples of the North” in the central part of the Zhigansky district. This model territory provides for the creation of an economy that will be based on the integrated use of local natural resources, the production of environmentally friendly products and the provision of tourism services.

The experience of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) in conducting ethnological examination of projects is worthy of attention and dissemination at the federal level [21]. This approach involves the harmonization of the interests of extracting companies, local authorities and indigenous people in the implementation of projects for industrial development of the Arctic [22]. As part of the reimbursement of potential losses to the indigenous peoples of the North during the economic development of the territories of traditional nature management, extracting companies make compensatory payments, some of which can be used to support traditional crafts, the development of processing plants for agricultural raw materials, and the creation of infrastructure facilities. Such an approach corresponds to the implementation of the principle of obtaining and using benefits in the industrial development of the Arctic [23].

Coordination and monitoring of the implementation of the Strategy for the Socioeconomic Development of the Arctic Zone of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) for the Period Until 2035 is carried out by the Ministry of Arctic Development and Northern Affairs of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). As the target indicators for the implementation of this Strategy, it is possible to note the preservation of the level of natural growth and a decrease in the migration outflow of the population, a decrease in the overall unemployment rate to 5.7%, and an increase in the standard of living of the population of the Arctic regions by 1.8 times compared to the base level.

Conclusions. The development priorities of the northern territories come, on the one hand, from the need for the effective implementation of the tasks of developing the natural wealth of the North, and on the other, from the preservation and further development of the indigenous ethnic group. At the same time, we have in mind the possibility of optimizing the correlation of areas of economic development according to a purely economic criterion and preserving the traditional lifestyle of the indigenous peoples of the North.

Support and development of traditional nature management is necessary primarily to preserve the ethnic group, the experience of people living in extreme natural conditions and successfully opposing them, to prevent demographic desertification of the Arctic territories and to preserve unique landscapes. Of no small importance are the preservation and development of the production of rare types of natural and highly demanded consumer products – fish delicacies, game, venison, and valuable pharmacological raw materials. All this is necessary to improve the quality of life and preserve human capital. Supporting these territories is also important for guaranteeing food independence of the country, regulating employment and optimizing the labor market, preventing excessive concentration of industrial production in certain territories and the dominance of over-urbanized areas of residence [24].

As measures to support local food producers, it is useful to use the experience of some extractive companies in purchasing products of traditional crafts, locally produced food for their own needs, as well as in financing projects for processing such products under the Agreements on the socioeconomic development of the territory between the extractive company, local authorities, indigenous people and their tribal communities.

An important effective compensation for changes in the natural and ethnosocial living conditions of indigenous peoples in the process of industrial development of the North could be the expansion of the production of consumer goods, especially food products produced locally in order to increase their types and quality. Measures aimed at improving the quality of life of the population on the basis of improving household activities, living conditions, and the growth of local employment can be the main means of resolving the conflicting interests of indigenous people and extracting companies in the implementation of industrial development projects in the Arctic.