Russian research sites
Research will cover two key areas: Moscow as a policy decision making centre; and the Selenga river basin, from where it enters the Buryat Republic in the Russian Federation, to the Selenga delta where it flows into Lake Baikal. The first phase will be based in the Buryat Republic and districts along the Selenga, including the capital city Ulan-Ude (3 months in the first half of 2023). Dr Namsaraeva will conduct 20 interviews with local MPs for territories along the Selenga; researchers at the Baikal Institute for Nature Management, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences; and local environmental NGOs including Buddhist and shamanic organizations. Aside from ethnographic research she will conduct archival research with map collections in the State Archive of the Republic of Buryatia, and Russian Geographical Society archives.
The second research site in Moscow includes the State Parliament Committee for Ecology and Environmental Protection; Governmental Inter-Agency Committee for the Protection of Lake Baikal; and international NGOs Rivers Without Boundaries and Green Peace. Dr Namsaraeva will hold approximately 20 semi-structured interviews with representatives of Federal legislative bodies, and government officials responsible for environmental policy in Siberia and the Far East. However, under pressure of the current political situation in Russia, she has to follow updated guidance provided by the FCDO and UKRI on travelling to Russia.