Persistent Toxic Substances, Food Security, and Indigenous Peoples of the Russian North

The overall goal of the project is to reduce the contamination of the Arctic environment by persistent toxic substances (PTS). Recent studies have shown significantly elevated environmental levels of PTS in the Russian Arctic, where, due to the present economic problems, consumption of highly contaminated country food by indigenous peoples is increasing (walrus, bowhead whale, etc.). Specifically, the project will: a) assist the indigenous peoples in developing appropriate remedial actions to reduce the health risks resulting from the contamination of their environment and traditional food sources; b) enhance the position of the Russian Federation in international negotiations to reduce the use of PTS, and empower indigenous peoples to participate actively and fully in these negotiations; and c) enable the Russian Federation and the Russian Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North (RAIPON) to increase their involvement in the work of the eight-nation Arctic Council to reduce emissions of PTS.