Governance of Renewable Natural Resources in Northwest Russia
Abstract
The research project analyzes the challenges of renewable natural resource governance in Northwestern Russia from a multidisciplinary perspective by combining expertise from the disciplines of law, political science, geography and economics. The study explores natural resource governance in the context of two sectors of the Russian economy: forestry and fisheries, both of which have gone through considerable transformations during the past decade. Governance will be investigated at different scales and in terms of various actors, including the situation in local communities, business enterprises, as well as regional and central administration.
The main concept used for describing dynamics of governance is path-dependency. According to this perspective a path which has been chosen as a consequence of particular circumstances, will continue to determine the future development. The research project seeks to provide answers to the questions: In what ways are the existing governance practices path-dependent and what ways are to be found for breaking away from undesired path-dependence in order to implement fresh institutional solutions for renewable natural resource governance?
Methodologically, the research starategy is based on intensive field work periods, during which interviews will be carried out and other research material collected.
Project leader: Prof. Soili Nystén-Haarala, University of Lapland/Faculty of Law, Box 122, FIN-96101 Rovaniemi, tel. +358 (0)16 - 341 341, +358 (0)40 7355938, fax +358 (0)16 - 3412500,
soili.nysten-haarala(at)ulapland.fi
Researchers
Juha Kotilainen, University of Joensuu/Karelian Institute, juha.kotilainen(at)joensuu.fi
Carina Keskitalo, University of Lapland/Department of Social Studies, carina.keskitalo(at)ulapland.fi
Anna-Maija Matilainen, University of Lapland/Faculty of Law, anna-maija.matilainen(at)ulapland.fi
Minna Pappila, University of Turku/Faculty of Law, minna.pappila(at)utu.fi
Monica Tennberg, University of Lapland/ Arctic Center, monica.tennberg(at)ulapland.fi
Larissa Riabova, Kola Science Center (RAS/Institute of Economic Problems, larissar(at)iep.kolasc.net.ru
Lyudmila Ivanova, Kola Science Center (RAS)/Institute of Economic Problems, ivanova(at)iep.kolasc.net.ru
Antonina Kuliasova, Center for Independent Social Research, ku(at)indepsocres.spb.ru
Maria Tysiachniouk, Center for Independent Social Research, tysiachn(at)hotmail.com
Project description