Indigenous fisheries and protected areas management – Center for Support of Indigenous Peoples of the North (Russia)

The community/organization and local perspectives on conservation and stewardship

Center for Support of Indigenous Peoples of the North (CSIPN) is an indigenous non-governmental organization focused on advancing the economic, social and cultural development of the indigenous communities of the Russian North, Siberia and the Far East by providing capacity building, training and support services. CSIPN has a Special consultative status under the ECOSOC (United Nations Economic and Social Council). The Centre has also accreditation under the UNEA (UN Environment Assembly),

FAO (UN Food and Agriculture Organization), UNFCCC (UN Framework Convention on Climate Change), CBD (Convention on Biological Diversity) and other UN agencies. It was originally established in the year 2000 as a Russian Indigenous Training Center (RITC) to develop and deliver educational courses and programs to IP (Indigenous peoples) after the USSR collapse and new market economy development. In 2003, the organization was re-registered as a Center for Support of Indigenous Peoples of the North to broaden its activities due to new political and legislation framework to provide a  information, legal advice, capacity building and consultancy support for indigenous peoples of Russia and their communities across the Russian North, Siberia and Far East.

It’s ultimate objective and long-term strategy is to ensure Indigenous peoples’ sustainability by being directly involved in political and economic development matters and to ensure their direct and full participation in the decision-making processes at the national, regional and local levels. In support of its’ goals, CSIPN is committed to:

• promoting the rights of the Indigenous peoples of the Russian North to make their own decisions regarding political, economic, cultural and social development of their communities;
• taking the initiative for constructive change in a manner which is ethical and respectful of the constituency it serves, based on gender balance and with active engagement of elders and youth.

The traditional culture of the Udege, Nanai, and Oroch, the indigenous peoples of the region, is based on a close relationship to their ancestral territories; a way of life which is strongly dependent on an intact environment; a livelihood strategy based on gathering, hunting and other subsistence activities; collective land and resource management; a community-oriented mindset and high importance of family, kindship and group relations within the community. The Udege practice animism and shamanism. They do believe in nature, forest, trees and sacred sites. Their basic traditional knowledge and cosmovision says, “the forest doesn’t belong to us, we belong to the forest”. The Udege´s main traditional activity is fishing and hunting for family and the community subsistence economy.

Stewardship experience: Inland river and coastal fisheries -The principle of co-management with the participation of indigenous peoples should be introduced

The issue or problem being addressed

Mass poaching and uncontrolledness. Poaching activities were found to be largely done by outsiders from urban places and tourists/fishermen and hunters.

The activities

Creation of territories of traditional nature management and protected areas through joint management with indigenous peoples. 

Bikin National Park was established in 2016 based on the co-management approach and respect of indigenous rights and traditional knowledge. The park territory is more 1, 5 million hectares of pristine boreal forest. It’s one of the largest national parks and conservation areas of the Russian Federation. This is the largest specially-protected natural area in the south of the Far East and one of the largest national parks in Russia, on whose territory 51 species of mammals have been identified. Ten species of reptiles, 7 species of amphibians, and 26 species of fish including river salmon have also been recorded in Bikin Park. The main populations of the scaly-sided merganser and the Blakiston’s fish owl also nest here, near the most remote spawning grounds of the salmon basin of the River Ussuri. In 2018 the national park territory was granted the UNESCO World Heritage Status. The role of indigenous peoples keeping the sustainable way of forest management for centuries is still vital and visible, respected and recognized by the global community and UN officials. 

The success and significance of the activities

A prime example: the creation of the Bikin National Park with the full and effective participation of indigenous peoples through the co-management of natural resources. The Udege community controls and leads their own development and future based on their own vision and values, using their wisdom to manage the forest and natural resources sustainably. Preservation is very important for the Udege community. It is a very unique situation in terms of Indigenous Peoples’ rights, turning a new page in respect and recognition of their traditional knowledge .

The benefits/impacts including sustainability/environmental effects

The creation of the Bikin National Park led not only to the sustainable management of natural resources, but also to the conservation and increase of fish resources, elimination of large-scale poaching, and increased the income of indigenous fishermen and the local population.

Other improvements resulting from this example relate to;

• Sustainable livelihoods
• food security
• capacity development
• government policy and decision-making

We can say that an integrated approach and integrated planning of the use of natural resources, including fish resources, on a long-term basis is provided.

Some lessons learned or words of wisdom

Do not be afraid of responsibility and leadership and build internal and external partnerships. 

“Indigenous peoples should be directly involved in the decision and management system on all issues related to their livelihoods”

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Fishery Facts

(Below are the applicable categories of fisheries, environment, species, gear type and livelihood role.)

Fishery characteristics:

• Inland capture fishery (e.g. river/lake/reservoir)

The environment where fishing takes place: 

• Freshwater – riverine

Main species targeted:

• Inland finfish – e.g. carp/perch/catfish/salmonids

Gear types/ methods used:

• Spin fishing gear
• Line
• Net

Role of the fishery in local livelihoods:

• Full time