The Location of the Yenisei River
The Yenisei River is one of the many major waterways found across the Eurasian continent. The Yenisei is the fifth longest river in the world and the largest river in Russia, stretching over a length of 3,101 miles. Originating in Mongolia and flowing through Russia, it is a crucial part of the culture and economy of both countries. Here, we explore where the Yenisei River is located and why it is so important to the region.
Origins
The Yenisei River is formed from two major tributaries, the Great Yenisei and the Little Yenisei, which meet in Tuva Republic, an autonomous region in north-central Russia. The Little Yenisei River runs from the West Sayan Mountains, draining into the Yenisei at Sayanogorsk. The Great Yenisei River begins in Kyzyl, the capital of Tuva, which is in the northwestern region of Mongolia. It takes its waters from the Sayan and Tannu-Ola Mountains and then flows through Russia.
Part of a Bigger Picture
The Yenisei River is one piece of the bigger international river system that has its origins in Mongolia, which is formed by the Selenga and Orkhon Rivers. The Yenisei is the main river of this system, where other waterways such as the Angara, Podkamennaya Tunguska, Nizhnyaya Tunguska, lower Yenisei, and Taz Rivers join in. This makes it a crucial point for transportation of goods and people between Asia and Europe.
Following the Flow
Starting from its source in Mongolia, the Yenisei flows northward into Russia until it reaches Lake Baikal and then splits in two. On the left side, it meets with the Angara River and flows westward, and on the right, the Nizhnyaya Tunguska River that leads it to the east. It then joins the Taz River, forming the Lower Yenisei, which eventually reaches the Arctic Ocean.
The Economic Consequences
The Yenisei is an invaluable resource for the economies of both Mongolia and Russia. Its hydropower plants and hydroelectric dams are a major source of energy for the entire region. The river’s huge reserves of fresh water make it an effective way to transport goods and minerals from one end to the other. This makes it possible for the industries in the two countries bordering the river to benefit from one another’s resources.
Cultural Significance
For centuries, the Yenisei River has held an important place in both Mongolian and Russian culture. In particular, the Taz people, a Turkic-Mongolian people living on the right river bank of the Lower Yenisei in Krasnoyarsk Krai, have established their own unique culture. They rely heavily on rivers and lakes to sustain their way of life, making the Yenisei of great value to them.
Environmental Concerns
In recent years, the Yenisei River has faced serious environmental threats due to human activity. Dumps and discharging points for industrial facilities pollute the Yenisei’s waters, leading to changes in its natural ecosystem. Loss of vegetation, fishing depletion, and an increase in the levels of toxic elements in the river all threaten to deplete the Yenisei. Conservation agencies and environmental activists are working together to try to reduce these impacts and save this important waterway.
Social Impact
The economic importance of the Yenisei River has supplemented with an extraordinary social impact for the people living in its basin. Cities such as Krasnoyarsk, Achinsk, Minusinsk and Kyzyl, the main cities of the region, have experienced enormous growth in population and economy due its powerhouse potentialities. The region is becoming a bigger touristic hub, but more so local economy is improving, allowing services and product availability to increase.
Regulatory Efforts
Various regulatory, legal and administrative steps have been taken to protect the resources and usage of the Yenisei, in both Mongolia and Russia. In 2000, the Yenisei Headwaters International Contract was signed to manage and protect the Yenisei waters, establishing principles of mutual trust and regard for the environment. The two countries have also implemented lessons learned from previous cases of water pollution.
Conclusion of Potential Dams
One of the main challenges for the protection of the Yenisei River is the upcoming construction of hydropower dams. Despite concerns about the potential environmental and social impacts, both countries remain committed to the construction of such projects. To ensure the dams are constructed in accordance with environmental standards and regulations, environmental assessments are conducted prior to their approval.
