The Government of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) and Sakhaneft LLC (part of the INC Group of companies) have signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of biodiversity conservation and ecosystem development in the region. The document was signed by Head of the Republic Aisen Nikolaev and CEO of INC Dmitry Levin at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF-2026).
The key area of the partnership will be the implementation of the long-term program "Forest bison settlement in the Namana River Basin". The document regulates the procedure for financing measures to protect and increase the population of the forest bison for the period 2027-2029. The program operator will be GBU RS(Ya) "Directorate of Biological Resources, Specially Protected Natural Territories and Natural Parks".
The new agreement is a continuation of the joint work that has been underway since 2024 within the framework of the project "Reaclimatization of forest bison in Central Yakutia". During this time, with the support of the company, the necessary infrastructure has been created for the implementation of the program: two monitoring and protection points have been erected in the Sinaya Nature Park of the Gorny District and the Namana area of the Olekminsky district, vehicles and specialized equipment have been purchased. The company also provides logistics for the annual transportation of young forest bison from the Ust-Buotama nursery to the monitoring area.
Today, the number of forest bison in Yakutia exceeds 300 individuals. The animals have successfully adapted to the valleys of the Sinaya and Namana rivers, where the first wild herds are forming. According to experts, their number may reach 1,000 heads by 2035.
"Preserving the unique nature of Yakutia and its biological diversity is one of the most important tasks. Thanks to our cooperation, we can implement long-term projects for the conservation of rare animal species and the strengthening of natural ecosystems. The signed agreement will allow us to continue work on restoring the forest bison population and will be another step in preserving the natural heritage of the republic," said Aisen Nikolaev.
Dmitry Levin, CEO of INC, noted that the company consistently supports projects aimed at preserving the natural wealth of the region.
"Our cooperation with the Government of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) is of a strategic nature. The company pays special attention to aspects of biodiversity conservation, including the population of rare animals and the replenishment of biological resources in the region. The signing of the new agreement confirms our long—term initiatives in the field of sustainable development of territories," Dmitry Levin emphasized.
Conservation of biodiversity in the regions where it operates is a priority area of the environmental strategy of the INC. Group of Companies. In addition to protecting rare animal species, Sakhaneft implements programs for the replenishment of aquatic biological resources and reforestation. In two years, more than 600 thousand pelage fry have been released into the Vilyuisk reservoir of the Mirninsky district. In 2025, more than 1.5 million coniferous seedlings were planted in Eastern Siberia. Corporate environmental initiatives for the separate collection of waste (plastic and waste paper) are also regularly implemented in Mirny.
The cooperation of the INC Group of Companies with the Government of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) also covers socio-economic development. As part of the previously concluded agreement, Sakhaneft has allocated funds to the Trust Fund for Future Generations of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) for the construction of a sports and recreation complex with a swimming pool in the city of Nyurbe. The facility is under construction. Additionally, the successfully implemented projects of the Innovation Development Fund in the Lena region were funded: the laying of a fiber-optic communication line (fiber-optic line), the opening of an IT center and the development of the Tooku Kids digital application.
The INC Group of Companies is a producer and processor of hydrocarbon raw materials in Eastern Siberia. Founded in 2000, the company specializes in geological exploration, exploration and development of subsurface areas in the Irkutsk Region, Krasnoyarsk Territory and the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). The company is recognized as one of the best employers in the energy sector, is among the best employers in Russia according to RBC and in the top 50 of the HeadHunter rating.
Yakutia is one of the recognized leaders of Russia in the field of conservation and restoration of populations of rare and endangered species of animals.
Over the past decades, a number of environmental protection projects have been implemented in the republic, thanks to which it has been possible to achieve a steady increase in the number of forest bison, musk oxen and other representatives of the Arctic fauna.
Significant results have also been achieved in restoring the musk ox population. If in 2011 there were 836 animals in the republic, by 2024 their number exceeded 8 thousand individuals. The population is expected to exceed 10,000 in the coming years.
The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum is taking place from June 3-6, 2026. The SPIEF is traditionally one of the world's largest platforms for discussing key issues of the economy, international cooperation and investment development, bringing together representatives of government, business, the expert community and foreign countries.
