Yakutia CBM Manual

The communities engaged in the Yakutia CBM are mainly Indigenous fishermen, hunters and reindeer herders who are heavily dependent on the living natural resources. They have been facing serious challenges in relation to accessing these resources due to changes in resource availability and threats, including pollution and resource depletion caused by various forms of mining developments, commercial fishing companies and changes in climate. The areas they live in are classified as traditional areas of occupational use, protecting rights of Indigenous communities, but in practise it has been a challenge to enforce this legal status. 

Key participants in workshops and meetings have included local fishermen, hunters and herders, local Indigenous peoples’ representatives, various members of local authorities, and school students and teachers.

Local communities and local Indigenous peoples’ representatives are interested in and supportive of the CBM activities. They see this as an improved way of developing and presenting local knowledge on resources and resource use. Local authorities are also supportive of the activities. The Republic Indigenous Peoples’ organisation (RIPOSR) is taking a leading role in activities. 

Input from the CBM groups (information, analysis and recommendations) has been used by RIPOSR to seek influence on resource management issues both at Republic and District level. Organising and communicating information are being undertaken using short forms, which are filled out by the CBM groups and which include resource information, analysis of information and suggested actions.