Yamal nomads: facing risks and maneuvering

The Nenets have abundant experience in responding to extreme natural and social challenges. Consequences of these reactions were the emergence of large-scale reindeer herding in the 16-18 centuries, the adaptation to Soviet-kolkhoz mobilizations in the 20 century, and the growth of private herds in post-Soviet time. Today Yamal is the largest center of reindeer herding in the world, and the Nenets reindeer herding is considered to the biggest success in the ethno-cultural and economic development of the Russian Arctic. However, environmental challenges such as the ice crust in the winter of 2013-14 and the outbreak of anthrax in the summer of 2016 have provoked a discussion on Nenets reindeer husbandry 'crisis' that can be seen in the overgrowth of herds and overgrazing. Biologists and administrators emphasize the necessity to significantly reduce Yamal reindeer. The author of this article insists that any cuts and reforms in Yamal husbandry should be conducted and guided by the Nenets reindeer leaders who possess their own nomadic experience in managing risks and maneuvering in extraordinary situations. Disasters associated with global warming constitute constant risk today. In the 'bad year', when Southern tundra was covered with ice, the Nenets had to undertake some extreme maneuvers in order to save their herds. Last summer, they faced the outbreak of 'blister disease' (anthrax) followed by the administrative turn toward herd reduction. What is most noticeable about nomads dealing with challenges is their ability to take, often proactively, quick and decisive action. Instead of relying on outside help, a nomad starts maneuvering and seeking new opportunities on-the-go. Dynamic, rather than static states are part of the tundra ecosystem and traditional ethno-system; and the movement of reindeer herds, unlike industrial constructions, is innate to the tundra as a whole.

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