Seasonal passage of reindeer across Bovanenkovskoye field completed

The traditional passage of reindeer owned by two herding brigades of the Yarsalinskoye municipal reindeer herding enterprise through the industrial zone of the Bovanenkovskoye oil, gas and condensate field is now completed. Ensuring safe conditions for the migration (passage) of reindeer herds through production sites is among the environmental targets successfully addressed by the Nadym gas production workers.

“The production sites of our company are adjacent to the territories of the representatives of a unique culture. We respect the traditions of indigenous peoples who have been living on this land for many centuries,” said Andrey Teplyakov, Deputy Director General for Personnel Management at Gazprom Dobycha Nadym. “Preserving the traditional lifestyle of the indigenous minorities of the North is among the fundamental principles of field development in the Yamal Peninsula.”

Preparations for reindeer migration are made in advance. The local commission comprising the representatives of the Yarsalinskoye municipal reindeer herding enterprise, the Yamal public movement of the indigenous minorities of the North, and Gazprom Dobycha Nadym's professionals checks the condition of the existing crossings and defines the cooperation procedure. For the migration period, sections of motor roads are covered with a special geotextile fabric called dornit, which makes it possible for the sleds to glide easily without damaging the sled runners. The traffic is halted until reindeer herds and numerous loaded sleds finish the crossing.

Safe movement of reindeer at the intersections with industrial cables and pipelines was planned back at the initial construction stages at Bovanenkovo. Today, this solution makes it possible for reindeer to freely walk across the tundra towards the Kara Sea and back, using their usual routes.

This year, seven thousand reindeer have crossed the Bovanenkovskoye field since the beginning of the seasonal migration period. Upon arrival at the destination, they will enjoy fresh Yamal grasslands and saltwater, which is exceptionally useful for these animals. Seasonal migrations are necessary, reindeer herders say, as they help prevent the depletion of reindeer pastures and let the animals gather strength before the long polar winter.