Socio-Ecological Perceptions of Industrial Development by the Indigenous Community: Results of Ethnological Expertise in the Neryungri District of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia)

The article presents the results of the analysis of the data of the conducted ethnological examinations of the planned projects of industrial companies in the village of Iengra, Neryungrinsky District, Republic of Sakha (Ya-kutia). The aim of the study is to identify the structure and determinants of the local community’s, primarily Ev-enki, attitudes toward industrial development of traditional natural resource management areas. The method-ology is based on a hybrid approach, combining quantitative analysis of the questionnaire data (100 respond-ents participated in the surveys) with elements of qualitative analysis (interviews, observation, document analy-sis). The results demonstrate a high level of information deficit, a predominance of negative assessments re-lated to environmental risks, and a low level of interaction between companies, authorities, and the local com-munity. Particular attention is paid to the preservation of the native language and traditional culture in the face of industrial pressure. Conclusion dwells upon the fact that it is necessary to transform ethnological assess-ment procedures toward implementing the principles of free, prior, and informed consent, as well as introduc-ing public control mechanisms. The results are of practical significance for improving regulatory practices in the field of protecting the rights of indigenous peoples.