Irina Gekht: "The Nenets Autonomous Area is an important region of the Arctic and a territory of comfortable living"
A meeting with the Governor of the Nenets Autonomous Area, Irina Gekht, was held at the National Centre RUSSIA as part of the series "Platform of the Future: Region-2030. 100 Steps". The head of the region presented the development strategy of the Area up to 2030, timed to coincide with the upcoming centenary of the Nenets Autonomous Area. The priorities include the development of the oil and gas sector, healthcare and education, agriculture, tourism, and support for participants of the special military operation and their families.
Nenets Autonomous Area in Five Years
"In five years, I see the Nenets Autonomous Area as a strategic point within the Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor, of which the Northern Sea Route is an integral part. We have fallen slightly behind in the race for port leadership, but I believe there is potential. Indiga is a deep-water port — over 20 metres — and there are no others like it. Unlike neighbouring ports, it does not freeze. Therefore, the agreements signed between China and Russia concerning routes already being tested along the Northern Sea Route with Chinese vessels will allow us to develop both port and land infrastructure. And that is extremely important," said Irina Gekht.
She added that the Nenets Autonomous Area is a strategic point on the map that will be in high demand within the Northern Sea Route.
Irina Gekht also emphasised that within the next five years, the Area’s capital, Naryan-Mar, should undergo transformation: "The city should become the oil capital — a pleasant place to live, a city our youth can be proud of, featuring modern landscaping, smart technologies and everything that meets the standards of a contemporary city. In 2029, the Area will celebrate its 100th anniversary, which highlights its self-sufficiency and development potential. Rolling up our sleeves, we are already implementing initiatives that we will be proud to present to the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin."
Economy and Industry
The economy of the Nenets Autonomous Area remains focused on the extraction of natural resources, primarily oil and gas. The region actively cooperates with major oil and gas companies. At the same time, attention is paid not only to industrial development but also to corporate social responsibility.
As Irina Gekht noted, subsoil users invest in healthcare, education, infrastructure and environmental projects, and support local communities. This creates mutually beneficial cooperation between the state, business and society. In addition, projects are being implemented to diversify the economy — including in tourism, agriculture and small business — which helps reduce the Area’s dependence solely on the oil and gas sector.
Agriculture and Reindeer Herding
A comprehensive approach to agricultural development adapted to the harsh Arctic environment is being implemented in the Nenets Autonomous Area, noted Irina Gekht. The foundation of the region’s agro-industrial sector has traditionally been reindeer herding. Dairy farming is also developing, and a breakthrough in greenhouse vegetable production is planned.
She stated that the region’s agriculture is based on preserving reindeer herding traditions. The reindeer population is maintained at around 180,000 animals, ensuring both product quality and food security. Reindeer herders receive modern equipment, including all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles and drones for herding, as well as social support in the form of payments and "chum capital". Greenhouses are being prepared for year-round cultivation of vegetables, fruits, and berries.
Tourism
Tourism is regarded as a promising area for the region’s development. The Nenets Autonomous Area attracts Arctic enthusiasts with its unique nature, northern lights, tundra and traditions of the indigenous peoples, said the Governor.
"The Nenets Autonomous Area is a wonderful place for Arctic weekends. It is the closest and most accessible real Arctic for residents of Central Russia. Here you can see the northern lights, the tundra, endless snowy expanses, and reindeer," said Irina Gekht.
According to her, the Area has already begun a "reboot" of its tourism development strategy, which will focus on short-term trips, including those for schoolchildren.
"We are also developing VIP tourism, but due to the vast territory, the use of helicopters or boats makes such routes more expensive. Therefore, the Area offers various formats — from affordable weekend tours to exclusive routes that allow you to admire nature from above. Fishing and hunting are also popular here — those who are passionate about these activities have long known our region," she added.
Irina Gekht emphasised that the Nenets Autonomous Area is still little-known to travellers, yet it is already accessible for those who dream of seeing the Arctic. According to her, the region is in no hurry to promote tourism actively, as it still needs to develop infrastructure — including hotels, glamping sites and other facilities. Once all this is established, it will become "a true paradise for tourists" with unique cuisine and stunning nature, she noted.
Healthcare and Medicine
In the healthcare sector, digital projects are being implemented, including digital feldsher-obstetric stations (FAPs), remote monitoring of patients with cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, as well as preventive vaccination. The priority is to improve the quality of medical care and create conditions for early disease detection. Air ambulance services ensure the timely delivery of patients from remote areas and from ships.
"In the North, distances are vast, so it is important that every person can receive medical assistance quickly, regardless of where they live," she said.
Education and Workforce
The region is actively working to attract qualified professionals and train personnel for all sectors of the economy, stated the Governor of the Nenets Autonomous Area. Plans include upgrading the district hospital to a third-level facility, which will make it possible to provide high-tech medical care.
In the field of education, digital programmes for children and young people are being implemented, remote exam preparation tools are being developed, vocational education projects are expanding, and the opening of a university branch is planned. This comprehensive approach helps to build a competitive workforce and ensure the region is supplied with qualified specialists, she explained.
Transport and Accessibility
According to Irina Gekht, the region is actively improving transport accessibility. New air routes have been launched, including flights to Makhachkala and Sochi. There are plans to open direct routes to other major Russian cities, including Perm and Khanty-Mansiysk. The modernisation of the airport and the construction of a new terminal will provide comfortable conditions for passengers and increase passenger traffic.
In addition, subsidised air transport for residents of remote areas is being introduced, making the region’s transport network more accessible and supporting its social infrastructure.
Support for Participants of the Special Military Operation
During the meeting, Irina Gekht spoke about support measures for participants of the special military operation. These measures include benefits, payments, social services, and the work of the "Defenders of the Fatherland" Foundation, which provides new facilities and rehabilitation programmes for women and families of service members.
"Today, our Area has a population of 41,960 people, and every fifth man is currently in the special military operation zone. And it’s not only young men who were mobilised or signed a contract. What truly impresses me is that there are many mature men among those who go to serve. Saying, ‘If not me, then who?’, they sign a contract and go to serve — men aged 50 and older. And this, perhaps, most vividly reflects the unique northern spirit and character of our region — resilience, responsibility and readiness to be where help is needed," said Irina Gekht.
