Ecological and behavioral foundations of the institutional system of reindeer husbandry in a market-oriented economy

Reindeer husbandry is a historically established way of life support for the indigenous peoples of the Russian Federation, localized in the land territory of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, or in another way, traditional economic activity. Reindeer husbandry does not have a clear legal status in Russian legislation, which entails uncertainty in economic behavior and relations (institutional confusion). The reindeer is a semi-wild animal that can only exist in its natural environment. Its unique biological qualities allow it to survive in the extreme conditions of the Arctic and give life to other species. Reindeer herds can be managed only by communities that are adapted to the natural and geographical conditions of the Arctic and able to live in natural conditions - in the forest and tundra. These include family-clan farms of the indigenous peoples who have special skills (traditional knowledge) and are able to lead a nomadic (semi-nomadic) life (traditional way of life) together with a reindeer herd. Reindeer herding communities are managed through communes, municipal councils of the indigenous peoples, representatives of authorities and local self-government, mainly from among the indigenous peoples. Such an institutional system leads to the conservation of outdated forms of the traditional way of life. The traditional economic activity of the indigenous peoples, entering into relationships with organizations and the population of cities and villages, becomes an economic activity. The interaction of economic entities is regulated by national legislation. At present, communities of the indigenous peoples are not fully integrated into the Russian legal field and market-oriented economic processes. Integration should take place taking into account the peculiarities of the traditional way of life of the indigenous peoples. The article gives recommendations on the formation of a new model of the institutional system of reindeer husbandry in Russia, which, on the one hand, contributes to the effective integration of the indigenous peoples into the context of a market economy, and, on the other hand, corresponds to the goals of sustainable development of the Arctic, solving the problem of rational use of pastures.