No. 1, 2010
Mikhail Dmitriyev
LIVING NOT BY OIL ALONE…
LUKOIL-Western Siberia is successfully building its relationships with small indigenous peoples of the North
Peaceful coexistence between subsoil users and indigenous peoples of the North was out of the question just several decades ago. Disputes frequently arose over land use, along with misunderstanding in certain matters. Today, JSC LUKOIL-Western Siberia and indigenous peoples of the North have no outstanding problems in the sphere of land use, and their mutual understanding and ability to coexist peacefully grow increasingly stronger from year to year.
A special priority area
LUKOIL-Western Siberia is operating within the limits of 69 license areas totaling more than 28,000 km2 located in Surgut, Nizhnevartovsk, Kondinsky and Sovetsky districts of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area (KMAA), and 10 license areas exceeding 25,000 km2 located in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Area (YNAA).
The area of land used by LUKOIL-Western Siberia is 50,212 ha, including 36,039 ha in Yugra. Land use on communal lands accounts for 9,038.16 ha, or about 18% of the total land-use area, and 25% of the KMAA area.
"The company and the native population co-manage natural resources based on the provisions of the pertinent license contracts, agreements on the socioeconomic development of areas and locations of the compact settlement of indigenous minorities," recalls LUKOIL-Western Siberia Chief Surveyor Konstantin Belyaev.
Pursuant to such agreements the company is to indemnify the indigenous peoples of the North for environmental damage and damages caused to the traditional use of natural resources, to negotiate with the native population field exploration and development plans, and environmental measures; and to provide ambulance and cargo choppers, etc.
In 2005, agreements have been signed with 139 indigenous families comprising 535 members; with 143 families (559 members) in 2006; with 146 families (578 members) in 2007; and with 151 families (638 members) in 2008.
The average amount (in money terms) spent per one family member of a community land plot owner in indemnity for damages due to limitations of the traditional economic activities caused by mineral development within such areas went up from 19,670 rubles in 2001 to 90,380 rubles in 2008.
"Each indigenous family member is approached to compromise positions and interests of the native population and of the company as much as possible," says Konstantin Belyaev, Chief Surveyor of LUKOIL-Western Siberia.
Legal norms and regulations concerning areas of traditional use of natural resources have been complied with in full; there were no outstanding disputes between LUKOIL-Western Siberia and economically active families in the areas of traditional use of natural resources from 2001 to 2009.
Amity adds to deeds
While in the recent past most Khanty, Mansi and Nenets families used to live in tents amidst woods and swamps, today very many of them have got apartments in the cities of Kogalym, Langepas and Pokachi, in Agan and Trom-Agan townships, and in the village of Russkinskaya. As for those who remain in their traditional areas of residence, they live in log houses. Many enjoy various blessings of civilization, such as TV-sets, videorecorders and other household appliances. At indigenous people's request their community camps are electrified and roads are made. Under economic agreements signed with each family every year, boats and boat engines, snowmobiles, gasoline saws, power plants, fuels and lubricants, and building materials are provided at no charge.
LUKOIL-Western Siberia management ensure that every effort is made to facilitate the life of the indigenous population.
The company is also focusing on native people's employment in its divisions and on their training at the company's expense for various jobs and subsequent employment.
In order to preserve the language and culture of indigenous peoples the company and the Nizhnevartovsk District administration jointly built a primary school at a community camp, and rehabilitated a place of worship.
Much is done for the native population's health improvement. They are provided with free dental treatment and tooth replacement, and granted health resort vouchers based on personal request and a doctor's referral. LUKOIL-Western Siberia goes to such expenses being aware of their contribution to better relations with the indigenous population.
Building up cooperation capacity
Matters related to improving relationships between the company and indigenous people are addressed at LUKOIL-Western Siberia management's meetings with representatives of the Assembly of Small Indigenous Peoples of the North, municipality heads and native people themselves.
In order to ensure that interests of the indigenous population are observed, the company maintains close cooperation with nongovernmental organizations, such as Yamal for the Descendents and Saving Yugra, on the basis of agreements signed with them.
The company sponsored events of social significance, provided corporate support to ethnic settlements and communities, and carried out charity campaigns. Sponsorship costs totaled some 50 million rubles in 2008.
Every year, the company provides sponsor support for national holidays, the Reindeer Breeder Day and the Crow Day in the villages of Russkinskaya, Agan, Trom-Agan, Varyegan and Tazovskaya.
In 2005, LUKOIL-Western Siberia sponsored a children's ethnographic expedition and a reunion of Khanty families living along the rivers Ingu-Yagun, Ort-Yagun, Korliki, Sabun, and Vakh.
In 2006, the company provided organizational and financial support to the holding of the Sixth Congress of KMAA Reindeer Breeders and the ethnic holiday of reindeer breeders in Kogalym.
LUKOIL-Western Siberia makes investments into housing construction carried out by the Agan Village Council. In 2006, the company gave financial assistance to four indigenous residents for the purchase of 39 reindeers.
In response to the appeal from the Surgut Administration and indigenous residents in connection with poor climatic conditions and consequent difficulties in procuring fodder for reindeers in 2007 and 2008, eighty family heads received assistance for acquiring 60 tons of reindeer mixed fodder each year.
Over the past few years, the company has done a great deal to promote sustainable use of natural resources and ecological advancement. Nature conservation is carried out by all divisions of the company on the basis of the LUKOIL-Western Siberia Environmental Safety Program and the Environmental Safety Program of LUKOIL.
The nature conservation measures are aimed primarily at eliminating negative impacts of the oil and gas complex on the environment of the North and on the habitat of indigenous people.
Stabilization of the environmental situation contributed to the continued development of reindeer breeding by the native population on their communal lands within the company's license areas, and strengthened the specific cultural environment which is a natural means of handing down spiritual experience from generation to generation.
LUKOIL-Western Siberia is successfully developing its relationships with indigenous peoples of the North. At present, there are no doubts about their further improvement from year to year.
