In Russia, LUKOIL operates in the vicinity of/in the areas populated by the indigenous minorities of the North. Adhering to the principles of sustainable development, the Company strives to harmoniously combine production with the preservation of the traditional life style and economic activities of such minorities.
LUKOIL observes the rights of the indigenous minorities of the North, which are granted to them in accordance with the legislation of the Russian Federation, including the right to land plots and other natural resources.
The commitments to observe the rights of the indigenous minorities of the North are set in the LUKOIL Group Sustainability Policy, the LUKOIL Group Human Rights Policy, the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics of PJSC LUKOIL, and the Social Code PJSC LUKOIL.
The corporate documents comply with the requirements of the Russian legislation, as well as the principles outlined in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the UN Global Compact, and the Resolution of the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples. LUKOIL urges its suppliers, contractors and partners to adhere to these principles.
Cooperation with federal and regional authorities regulating the relations with indigenous peoples is an important element in the implementation of corporate policies. The Company participates in the events in the regions of its presence held in accordance with the state strategy aimed at ensuring the economic, social, and cultural well-being of indigenous minorities. For instance, LUKOIL cooperated as part of the state program entitled "2018-2025 Social and Economic Development of Indigenous Minorities of the North in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area – Yugra".
LUKOIL implements the approaches outlined in its corporate policies in three regions: the Khanty-Mansi, Yamalo-Nenets, and Nenets Autonomous Areas.
The Company uses various formats of interaction with the representatives of kinship communities, agricultural cooperatives, public organizations, and associations of the indigenous minorities of the North. They have the floor to address the issues related to the support or protection of rights. The LUKOIL Group entities appointed persons responsible for such contacts.
Public organizations of the indigenous minorites of the North can participate in LUKOIL's Social and Cultural Projects Competition. The projects that help preserve the culture of the indigenous minorites of the North and their national languages, organize national holidays/sports competitions, and craft exhibitions enjoy support among others.
Events are held on a regular basis to discuss expansion plans for LUKOIL's production operations. The Company engages representatives of the indigenous minorities of the North at various stages of oil and gas production projects that affect their rights, including public hearings before the start of operations (in accordance with the legislation of the Russian Federation) and informational events as projects progress.
While conducting geological exploration operations, the Company strives to preserve archaeological monuments and places sacred to the indigenous minorities of the North.
For more information about LUKOIL's cooperation with the indigenous minorities of the North please read the brochure Preserving the Traditions of the North and visit the PJSC LUKOIL Telegram channel.
The Khanty and Mansi are the indigenous peoples of the autonomous area. The Company enters into agreements with the heads of kinship lands in more than 50 traditional nature management territories.
Families receive support in the form of equipment, fuel, goods and feed for reindeer. The Company is involved in the improvement of indigenous villages: they get electricity, satellite television, and cellular communications; roads are constructed, and cattle camps are electrified.
Reindeer Herders' Day and Oblas Day are held annually. The festival program includes reindeer sleigh races and competitions on traditional boats (oblases), an introduction to the lifestyle and culture of the Khanty, as well as various master classes and tasting sessions of the northern cuisine. In 2024, Kogalym's Reindeer Herders' Day was among Russia's top 5 best tourist events.
For many years the Company has been declared winner in the category "Indigenous People Cooperation" of the "Yugra's Black Gold".
The Nenets and Yamalo-Nenets Autonomus Areas are mostly populated by the Nenets. In the most remote northern areas they predominantly pursue a nomadic lifestyle.
LUKOIL helps reindeer herders and their families purchase snowmobiles and spare parts, refrigeration units, construction materials, goods, etc. The Company assists in delivering firewood, fuel and food to remote camps. Veterinary services are provided to prevent diseases among animals. Autonomous power generators are delivered to the camps of nomadic families, satellite communication lines are installed, and temporary shelters are organized along the migration routes. The Company is also involved in organizing transport communication in remote areas.
The autonomous areas host national festivals, the most famous of which include snowmobile races in honor of the Russian polar explorer Artur Chilingarov, and the Syamyankhat Mereta reindeer sled race. The festival program also includes northern multisport competitions, such as the national triple jumps, lasso (tynzei) throwing, and sledge jumping. The competitors can also take part in the best national costume competitions. The gastronomic festival "Tundra" is organized for tourists.
A unique project titled "The Red Tent" has been held in the Nenets Autonomous Area has been held every year since 2002. This is the only long-term project in Russia providing medical care to nomadic reindeer herding families and village residents in the remote areas of the North.
The project includes visits by medical teams consisting of doctors of different medical specialties and nurses. They conduct examinations and tests (ultrasound, ECG, fluorography, lab tests, eye sight tests), clarify diagnoses and prescribe treatment. If necessary, patients are sent to the district hospital. In addition, medical teams deliver medications, raise awareness among the local citizens, and organize first aid training sessions for family members.
