The Ecological Paradigm of Development in the Twenty-Fourth Issue of the Irkutsk Historical and Econo­mic Yearbook

Abstract

This book review is the analysis of the articles of the twenty-fourth issue of the Irkutsk Historical and Economic Yearbook. The main attention is paid to the studies in the history of traditional economies of indigenous peoples of Siberia. Environmental traditions and ecological consequences of the economic development of Siberia have for many years been the subject of historical research on the pages of the yearbook. The comprehension of the accumulated experience makes it possible to define a number of important methodological approaches to understanding the role of traditional economies in greening the economic development. Conformity to natural laws should be perceived as compatibility of material and spiritual practices of man with the objective laws of nature. Traditional economies focused on harmony with nature should play a key role in restoring natural links of society and nature. The authors hold up modern practices implemented in the Baikal region as an example of an ecological model of economic development. They are related to greening the trade, development of landscape design, environmental activities of the local population within municipalities, eco-tourism, forms of outdoor recreation and healing, etc. From the authors' point of view, it is the uniqueness of Lake Baikal that creates in the region not only an opportunity, but also the need to establish such an economy. After numerous experiments with nature it is necessary to return to the mode of interaction of society and nature that is based on nature-saving technologies, the mode that was typical of small indigenous peoples in many respects.