The Yenisei River, also known as the ‘Russian Georgia’ or the ‘Great River’, stretches across 6,With its source in the glaciers of the Mongolian-Tuva-Hangayn massif in Mongolia, the Yenisei River flows thousands of kilometres from its source to eventually split apart into its delta of bays, lagoons, and estuaries in the Kara Sea in the Arctic Ocean. The Yenisei River is the fifth longest river in the world, with a total length of 4,098 miles.
It begins its journey in the Mongolian-Tuva highlands the highest point is 4,237 meters above sea level. Then, the river flows mainly through the Tuva Republic and western Siberia. Passing through the Russian cities of Krasnoyarsk, Abakan and Ust-Kut, the Yenisei dives into the depths of Lake Lake Baikal and flows out in Irkutsk. From there, it flows southeast past the city of Krasnoyarsk, crosses the Russian border and empties into the Kara Sea in the Arctic Ocean. During its incredible course, it is joined by more than 600 tributaries, including the Angara River, the Vitim River and the Nizhnyaya Tunguska River.
This river also serves as an important source of transportation for local people as well as for goods.Even in the remote rural communities, floating markets and trade are common. There is a regular service along the Yenisei in the summer months, allowing passengers to enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of this river, which is considered by many to be the birthplace of Russia’s economy.
The Yenisei River also plays an important role in Russia’s hydroelectric power generation. The Krasnoyarsk Hydropower Plant, located near the city of Krasnoyarsk, is the world’s second largest hydroelectric power station. It is part of the Yenisei Cascade and has 12 hydroelectric turbines that produce over 30 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity per year. The cost of the entire project was estimated to be around $8.5 billion, making it one of the largest investments in Russian history.
The river also supports an incredible array of wildlife, making it a major attraction for tourists. The vast stretches of wetlands provide a home to rare species of birds and animals, including cranes, beavers, arctic foxes, elks, bears, and lynxes. These habitats are some of the most important places for researching and preserving biodiversity. Sport fishing is also popular in the Yenisei River, with a variety of fish species such as sturgeon, salmon, pike, and burbot being caught here.
The Yenisei River is also home to countless species of plants, including water lilies, watercress, and wild celery. These plants provide food and shelter for the native animals, and some of the plants are even used for medicinal purposes. The river is also a source of clean drinking water for the people living in the area, as well as providing them with a variety of food sources such as freshwater fish and shellfish.
Yenisei River Climate
The climate of the Yenisei River watershed is mainly continental and is marked by dramatic variations in weather. The coldest areas are the Siberian tundra, where temperatures can drop to -50°C in winter, while the summer temperatures rarely rise above +15°C. The climate in the lower reaches of the river is more moderate, with temperatures ranging from -20°C in winter to +22°C in summer.
The Yenisei River and its tributaries experience an annual cycle of flooding, as snowmelt from the mountains causes the river to swell. This flooding has caused significant human suffering in the past, but it also serves to replenish the wetlands, which are some of the most important breeding grounds for many species of wildlife.
The Role and Impact of Human Activities on the Yenisei
Human activity has had both positive and negative effects on the Yenisei River. On the one hand, many of the cities located along the river have benefited economically from the hydroelectric power generation, fishing, and ecological tourism that the river provides. On the other hand, the extensive shipping activities, runoff from farms and other human settlements, and the construction of dams and other infrastructure have caused water pollution, depletion of fish and wildlife, and disruption of the river’s natural flow.
In recent years, efforts have been made to reduce the environmental impact of human activities and help preserve the fragile ecosystems of the Yenisei River. Programs have been implemented to restrict the amount of pollution entering the river and to preserve the animal and plant species that inhabit its waters. In addition, the construction of hydroelectric plants has been regulated to ensure the sustainability of the river’s natural resources.
Conclusion of the Yenisei River
The Yenisei River is a unique natural phenomenon, combining breathtaking beauty and immense resources in one amazing place. It provides a unique habitat for rare species of wildlife, and its freshwaters serve as a major source of food and recreation for the people living in the area. This river has also become an important source of hydroelectric power and is one of the most important economic resources for the region. Despite the negative impact of human activities on the ecosystem, future generations of all species have a responsibility to preserve the natural balance of this amazing river.
Conservation of the Yenisei River’s Ecosystem
Conservation of the Yenisei River’s ecosystem is a critical issue for preserving the population of wildlife and the health of its water quality. There have been several government-level initiatives taken such as the formation of the Yenisei State Nature Biosphere Reserve in 2014 to prevent poaching and protect traditional activities of rural communities using the resources in the Yenisei basin. This reserve includes three territories in the Krasnoyarsk region, the Tuva Republic and the Irkutsk region.
Despite this effort, there are still threats to the Yenisei River’s ecosystem due to human activities such as logging, overfishing, and pollution. These activities can have serious effects on the environment and the overall health of the river’s inhabitants. To address this, the government has implemented protective measures such as restrictions on logging and commercial fishing, and controlling water pollution.
Furthermore, environmental education programs have been established to raise awareness among local people about their responsibility to protect their own environment. These efforts have been quite successful, as the nature reserve has become a popular tourist destination for eco-tourists.
Importance of the Yenisei River
The Yenisei is of vital importance for the economic development of Russia. It is the main source of freshwater for the region, providing electricity, irrigation and transportation. In terms of industry, it is also important for tourism, as the river is home to several cities and attractions along its course. There are also many species of fish and aquatic life in the river and its tributaries, providing a significant source of food and nutrition to people in the area.
The river has also developed its own culture and communities. The people of the basin have developed traditional fishing methods, such as the use of ‘tarandas’, a type of net. They also practice reindeer herding and animal husbandry, which provide a significant contribution to the local economy.
The Yenisei River is also of great international importance. It is the border between Russia and Mongolia and provides a livelihood to the nomads of the region. It is also an important source of water for neighbouring countries, particularly Kazakhstan and China.
International Cooperation for the Conservation of the Yenisei River
In order to protect and conserve the Yenisei River’s ecosystems, international cooperation is required. The International Yenisei River Commission was established in 2014 to promote cooperation between Russia and Mongolia in managing the resources of the basin.
The commission has adopted a range of initiatives to protect the river. These include monitoring the river basin’s water quality, preventing pollution, and promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. The commission also works with the local communities to ensure the equitable use of the river’s resources.
In addition, the commission has also implemented measures to reduce the effects of climate change on the Yenisei River and its surrounding ecosystems. These measures include restoring wetlands, preserving fisheries, and restoring habitats, among other initiatives.
Despite these efforts, the conservation of the Yenisei River is still an ongoing challenge. The effects of climate change and human activity continue to threaten the ecosystems of the river, and it is clear that international cooperation is needed in order to ensure the river’s long-term sustainability.
