Resource Curse Contested—Environmental Constructions in the Russian Periphery and Sustainable Development

Abstract

In this article the development perspectives of a peripheral and socio-economically marginalized, but ecologically valuable Russian locality are examined. An analysis is made on how two local level administrations construct nature, resource use and environmental questions. These constructions give insights into the future perspectives of sustainable development in peripheral, resource-rich and ecologically central localities of Russia. Light is also shed on potential conflicts between industrial resource development and ecological tourism in this exceptional context.

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank Ilmo Massa, Markku Tykkyläinen, Pentti Viitala and two anonymous commentators for their valuable comments while writing this article.