Sustainable development of the Soviet Arctic: some possibilities and constraints

• Published in: Polar Record
• Main Author: Arikaynen, A. I.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1991
• Subjects: General Earth and Planetary Sciences; Ecology; Geography, Planning and Development; Arctic; Polar Record
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0032247400019811; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0032247400019811

Abstract The Soviet Arctic region is defined in administrative terms, and some parameters of sustainable development are defined and discussed. Under state enterprise sincethe 1930s the Arctic has been subject to a ruthless policy of development with little regard for environmental considerations or the needs of either native or migratory workforces. Perestroyka brings promise of better and more effective organization. The Arctic should be regarded as a component of the Soviet national economy, but business and scientific developments must be implemented with due consideration of possible social and ecological consequences. In all developments the limited material and labour resources of theArctic, as well as limited possibility of their employment elsewhere in the country to get the same result, should be bome in mind, and the effectiveness of proposed Arctic projects must be considered in the light of possible alternatives before any are implemented.