International Committee of Indigenous Peoples of Russia (ICIPR) • Reykjavik, Iceland — October 17, 2025
At the Arctic Circle Assembly 2025, the environmental organization Bellona Foundation hosted a panel discussion titled “The Northern Sea Route: Why It Cannot Become a Major International Trade Route.” Among the key participants was Andrei Danilov, Sámi activist and member of the International Committee of Indigenous Peoples of Russia (ICIPR), who presented the perspective of Indigenous peoples of the Arctic in the context of expanding industrial activities along the Northern Sea Route (NSR).
Session Overview
The Bellona-organized session focused on the environmental, social, and geopolitical implications of developing the Northern Sea Route. Speakers included Ksenia Vakhrusheva, Dmitry Gorchakov, James Gamble, Margaret Williams, and Yuri Sergeev. The discussion highlighted the challenges of sustainable shipping, pollution risks, and the impact of Arctic industrial projects on local communities.
Andrei Danilov’s Address
In his statement presented by the organizers, Andrei Danilov emphasized that the development of the Northern Sea Route poses serious risks to the traditional culture and way of life of the Sámi people.
“Our traditions — reindeer herding, fishing, hunting — depend on the land and the sea. Oil spills and tundra pollution would destroy the foundation of our existence. Without fish there is no trade, without pastures there are no reindeer, and without reindeer there are no Sámi people,” said Danilov.
He also underlined the importance of upholding the principle of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) when implementing major industrial projects in the Arctic. According to Danilov, the absence of effective participation mechanisms deepens the risk of cultural loss and undermines trust between state institutions and Indigenous communities.
Significance of Participation
Andrei Danilov’s participation in the Arctic Circle Assembly 2025 serves as an important example of integrating Indigenous voices into global discussions on the future of the Arctic. ICIPR welcomes the growing attention of international organizations and experts to issues of cultural rights, environmental protection, and sustainable development in northern regions.
“Environmental sustainability, cultural preservation, and meaningful community participation must be treated as interconnected priorities. Without the active involvement of Indigenous peoples, there can be no sustainable development in the Arctic,” ICIPR stated.
Resources
- Presentations of participants (Bellona Telegram): @ecobellona/2079
- Full session video: The Northern Sea Route: Why It Cannot Become a Major International Trade Route – Arctic Circle 2025
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