Highlights of the Nenets Autonomous Area Days at the National Centre RUSSIA
The thematic week of the Nenets Autonomous Area has concluded at the National Centre RUSSIA — the final one in the series of presentations by the seven regions participating in the exposition "Region-2030. Platform of the Future". The programme introducing visitors to the region’s traditions, achievements, and attractions included a meeting with Governor Irina Gekht, a cultural and educational intensive, and a gastronomic show featuring tastings of northern delicacies. Read more in our digest.
Meeting with the Governor of the Nenets Autonomous Area
As part of the "Platform of the Future: Region-2030. 100 Steps" series, the head of the region presented the Nenets Autonomous Area Development Strategy up to 2030, timed to coincide with the upcoming centenary of the Area. The key priorities include developing the oil and gas sector, healthcare and education, agriculture, tourism, and support for participants of the special military operation and their families.
Irina Gekht emphasised that the Nenets Autonomous Area is a strategic location on the map that will play a vital role in the Northern Sea Route.
"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 we still have great 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.
The Governor also underlined that the capital of the Area — Naryan-Mar — should undergo major transformation within five years: "The city must become an oil capital — a comfortable place to live, a city our youth will be proud of, with modern amenities, smart technologies, and everything that defines a contemporary urban space. In 2029, the Area will turn 100 — a milestone that highlights its self-sufficiency and potential for growth. Rolling up our sleeves, we are already implementing the projects that we will proudly present to the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin."
The economy of the Nenets Autonomous Area remains focused on natural resource extraction, primarily oil and gas. The region actively cooperates with major oil and gas companies, while paying close attention to corporate social responsibility. As Irina Gekht noted, subsoil users invest in healthcare, education, infrastructure, and environmental projects, and support local communities. This creates a mutually beneficial partnership between the state, business, and society. Additionally, projects are being implemented to diversify the economy — including in tourism, agriculture, and small business — which helps reduce the Area’s dependence on the oil and gas industry alone.
According to Irina Gekht, the Nenets Autonomous Area applies an integrated approach to agricultural development adapted to the harsh Arctic conditions. Reindeer herding remains the traditional foundation of the regional agro-industrial complex. Herders receive modern equipment — all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, and drones for herding — as well as social support in the form of payments and the so-called "chum capital". Dairy farming is also developing, and a breakthrough is expected in greenhouse vegetable production.
The Governor highlighted that the Nenets Autonomous Area attracts tourists with its unique natural landscapes, the northern lights, tundra, and the traditions of the indigenous peoples.
"The Nenets Autonomous Area is a perfect destination for an Arctic weekend. It is the closest and most accessible way for residents of Central Russia to experience the real Arctic — to see the northern lights, the tundra, endless snowy expanses, and reindeer," said Irina Gekht.
She noted that the Nenets Autonomous Area remains little-known to travellers but is already accessible to those who dream of seeing the Arctic. According to her, the region is in no hurry to actively promote tourism, as infrastructure development is still required — including the hotel sector, glamping sites, and other facilities. Once these are established, the Area will become "a true paradise for tourists" with its unique cuisine and breathtaking natural beauty, she emphasised.
In healthcare, the region is implementing a range of digital projects, including digital feldsher-obstetric stations (FAPs), telemonitoring for patients with cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, as well as preventive vaccination programmes. The main priority is improving the quality of medical care and creating conditions for early disease detection. Air ambulance services ensure the timely transportation of patients from remote areas and ships.
The Governor of the Nenets Autonomous Area also stated that the region is actively attracting skilled professionals and training personnel for all sectors of the economy. In education, digital programmes for children and young people are being introduced, providing online exam preparation opportunities. Vocational education projects are being developed, and a branch of a higher educational institution is planned to open. This comprehensive approach makes it possible to build a competitive workforce and supply the region with qualified specialists, explained Irina Gekht.
According to her, the region is also working on improving transport accessibility. New air routes have been launched, including flights to Makhachkala and Sochi. Direct routes to other major Russian cities, including Perm and Khanty-Mansiysk, are planned. The modernisation of the airport and the construction of a new terminal will create comfortable conditions for passengers and increase passenger traffic. In addition, subsidised air transport is being introduced for residents of remote settlements, making the region’s transport network more accessible and supporting its social infrastructure.
During the meeting, Irina Gekht spoke about support measures for participants of the special military operation. These include benefits, payments, social services, and the activities of the "Defenders of the Fatherland" Foundation, which provides new facilities and rehabilitation programmes for women and families of military personnel.
"Today, 41,960 people live in our Area, and every fifth man is currently in the special military operation zone. And it’s not only young people who have been mobilised or signed a contract. I am genuinely impressed that among those who go to serve, there are many mature men. With the words 'If not me, then who?', they sign a contract and go on duty — men aged 50 and older. And that, perhaps, most vividly reflects the unique northern spirit and character of our region — resilience, responsibility, and the willingness to be where help is needed," concluded Irina Gekht.
Gastronomic Workshop with Tasting
As part of the "Tundra" gastronomic expedition dedicated to the culture and culinary traditions of the North, a workshop with tasting was held, featuring dishes prepared from products of local producers. Guests were invited to discover the philosophy of northern gastronomy, built on purity, authenticity, and respect for the gifts of the tundra.
The key ingredient of the event was venison — an essential element of northern cuisine. Chef Tatyana Bobretsova demonstrated how to cook blood doughnuts as well as reindeer tongue and heart served with honeysuckle marmalade. These dishes reflect the cultural and everyday significance of the reindeer for the Nenets people.
Guests also learned about the art of quick salting of northern fish — skorosol made from chir, which turns into a delicate appetiser in just 15 minutes while preserving the pure taste and nutritional value of the northern rivers. The chefs also shared another culinary secret of northern cuisine — pustozerskiye chinegi and cloudberry kissel.
At the end of the workshop, visitors at the Gastronomic Rows were treated to blueberry kissel and chinegi made from cottage cheese with cloudberries and blueberries — a dessert with a story linked to Pustozersk, the first Russian city beyond the Arctic Circle.
The programme concluded with a tasting, informal discussions with experts, answers to guests’ questions, and a raffle featuring exclusive gastronomic souvenirs of the region under the "Made in the Nenets Autonomous Area" brand.
One-day Intensive about the Nenets Autonomous Area
The educational programme "Encyclopaedia of the Arctic: One-day Intensive about the Nenets Autonomous Area" gave visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the Arctic region in just one day — through the lens of tourism, economy, culture, and the personal experiences of experts.
The economic potential of Arctic tourism was presented by Oksana Lototskaya, Head of the Department for Entrepreneurship and Tourism Development of the Department of Finance and Economy of the Nenets Autonomous Area. She shared up-to-date data and highlighted the growing interest of travellers in the region.
"Tourism is a unique opportunity to touch history, feel the spirit of a place, and enrich one’s inner world with new experiences. Market dynamics show growth: over the first eight months of 2025, around 24,000 trips were made to the Nenets Autonomous Area — almost two thousand more than during the same period last year. The Arctic is closer than it seems: just two and a half hours by plane from Moscow, and you are beyond the Arctic Circle, in the city of Naryan-Mar," said Oksana Lototskaya.
Anna Rastyagaeva, Head of Marketing at the Arctic Tourism Centre, spoke about life in the capital of the Nenets Autonomous Area during her lecture "Naryan-Mar: User Guide".
Special attention was given to the fishing village of Shoina on the White Sea coast. During the film lecture "How to Shoot Films in the Arctic?", viewers learned that its unique locations attract not only tourists but also creative professionals. Members of the film crew of the feature film "The Cosmos Falls Asleep", part of which was shot there, shared their experiences of working in Shoina.
Svetlana Gorbatykh, author of striking photographs of the region’s nature and people, shared her personal story of transformation, explaining how the Arctic changed her life and professional path.
The intensive continued with a blog tour around the Arctic, presented by Vera Agapitova and Svetlana Kustysheva, creators of the blog "Podruzhki-pokatushki" ("Travelling Girlfriends") about life beyond the Arctic Circle. Practical travel tips for future visitors were shared by Yevgeny Shuvalov, General Director of the tour company "Edu v NAO" ("Going to Nenets Autonomous Area"), during his workshop "Edu v NAO: How to Choose Your Tour". Meanwhile, Olga Vyucheyskaya, founder of the Narey brand, gave a lecture titled "Arctic Style: From Traditions to Modernity", in which she explained how Nenets culture, Arctic landscapes, and the beauty of the tundra inspire her to create original designs.
The event concluded with the intellectual and educational quiz "Do You Know the Arctic?", with the grand prize — a trip to Shoina.
The regional days were held as part of the exposition "Region-2030. Platform of the Future" at the National Centre RUSSIA from September to October. Visitors explored the Republic of Dagestan, the Voronezh, Tula, Amur, and Chelyabinsk regions, as well as the Jewish Autonomous Region. The Nenets Autonomous Area concluded the series of regional presentations, held from 14 to 19 October, by showcasing its history, traditions, achievements, culture, and development plans.
Event photobank
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