Promoting indigenous people's participation in Kamchatka, Russia

UNDEF Deputy Head Annika Savill visited a project in Kamchatka Territory, Russian Federation, in May 2012 to support democratic participation of indigenous peoples. The visit included a round table with representatives of local government and the private sector to promote best practices of cooperation between indigenous communities and business. The project, implemented by the Centre for Support of Indigenous Peoples of the North,aims to create better-functioning legal relationships between indigenous peoples, business and the state through the elaboration of draft legislation, a code of conduct and a manual, while informing indigenous peoples of their civic rights and guiding them through the process of democratic decision-making. With vast natural resources and a thriving extractive industry, Russia’s northern regions are also home to vast numbers of indigenous peoples striving to maintain their livelihoods and traditional way of life.