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Environment (Expanding upon the environment section of the Nenet article)[edit]
The Nenet people heavily rely on fishing and reindeer herding to support their lifestyle. However, these practices are very reliant on the environment which is under threat from the oil industry. Specifically, the nomadic lifestyle the Nenet people have been accustomed to for generations is in danger as the oil industries encroach on reindeer pasture and territory. [1] Approximately half of the 10,000 Nenets people in the Yamal Peninsula are nomadic and herd reindeer. With oil industries continuing to expand, the impact on the Nenets people is expected to increase.

Oil Drilling in the Peninsula[edit]
Ever since the 1980s, the Arctic circle has gained the interest of those in the energy and mining industry.[2] Although expansion halted briefly in the 1990s post-USSR disintegration, development picked up in 2004.[3] As oil and gas companies continue to expand, along with it has come an expansion of infrastructure coming in the form of roads, power lines as well as human and vehicle traffic.[4] A big milestone has been in 2008, when Gazprom, the largest natural gas company in the world, entered the Yamal peninsula in their efforts to launch the Yamal Megaproject.[5] Another milestone was when Yamal LNG Project: Novatek, another Russian owned company, partnered with two other international corporations to build a plant on the Yamal peninsula in July of 2013.[6]

The Impact on the Nenets People[edit]
The impact of large energy corporations in the Yamal peninsula can be felt in numerous ways. The largest negative impact of industrial development can be seen in the effects on migration routes. With the Nenets people being nomadic and reliant on reindeer husbandry, the migratory routes for the reindeer are important to them. These migratory routes are very specific and a lot of consideration goes into planning them. Additionally, the herders believe that it is necessary for the reindeer to migrate in order for them to maintain their good health.[7] The herders claim that this is because the vegetation found on the coast are good for reindeer as they are richer in salt and minerals.[8] Also, by reaching the coast with the migrations, the reindeer are able to find relief from insects such as mosquito and botfly by avoiding infestation periods. [9] These migratory routes that the herders and reindeer use are made of rugged terrain as they provide a good space to herd the reindeer. However, the companies that enter the Yamal peninsula also prefer this rugged terrain to build their infrastructure upon, causing a direct overlap in land of interest.[10] Thus, as the Nenets people rely on reindeer that, in turn, rely on the migratory routes, the expansion of industrial development has had a large impact on the Nenets people. Lastly, although not directly related to migration routes, the Nenets people also have a tradition of designating a scared spot where they make a request of the spirits for a successful migration. This spot, however, was fenced in during the industrial development, dissolving it of its traditional significance.[11]

Another smaller effect of the industrial development has been its impact on fish. Due to the industrial development, there has been a degradation of freshwater sources which has led to a decrease in the population.[12] Additionally, the industrial development has spilled over to occupy much of the fishing grounds necessary for the Nenets people. As the Nenets people depend on the fish as their source of food in the summer, the depletion of fish has directly impacted the Nenets people.

Mixed Response From the Nenets[edit]
The Nenets people have previously attempted to organize and protest against the oil and gas companies.[13] However, it is difficult for the nomadic people to gather as a collective unit as they live so far apart from each other. An individual effort that was notable was Yuri Vella's protests. Vella was a Nenets writer and having lived near a lake that was licensed over to an oil company, protested often.[14] Most notably, he is remembered for having stood up against a bulldozer alone with an axe.[15]

Although there are many Nenets people who are against the industrial development going on in the Yamal peninsula, there are also many who are in support of the developments. Those who are in favor of the developments highlight the economic benefits that they are able to receive. In a research study conducted in the area, a villager reported that they were able to coexist with the industries through social agreements, voluntary giving, and compensation for damages.[16]

Question of Rights[edit]
There are some Nenets people, activists, and researchers who view the current situation in the Yamal peninsula with concern. Although the industrial companies have paid compensations and made efforts to assist the Nenets people, some experts say that the current process does not allow for participation from the Nenets people.[16] This sort of relationship is described by some as "paternalistic" as it does not aid in allowing the Nenets people to make their own decisions.[16]