Reindeer hide – quality high (KO547)
Funded by Kolarctic ENPI 2007-2013

Objective of the project

The overall objective of the project was to promote economic and social development related to reindeer herding in Russia. The project contributed to solving social and economic problems of reindeer owners, by raising the level of quality of raw reindeer hides. There has been a lack of information, methods and know-how in raw reindeer hide processing among Northwest Russian reindeer owners and slaughterhouses. The project saw the need to provide couching and instructions about slaughtering process, packing methods of the hides, and the continual monitoring of the process There has also been a growing demand for raw material suppliers.

Main activities

- Examination and summary (Number, capacity and equipment, photos) of slaughterhouses, willing to enter into cooperation. - Mapping information about the slaughtering process. Educational seminars and specific consultations - Educational signs for each slaughterhouse participating in the project, including installation. - Demonstration video with Russian subtitles is presented in each slaughterhouses and in the internet. - Investment: 10 salting drums and instructions are taken as permanent practises. - Reporting about how guidance and new information have been taken into permanent use.

Achievements

The project has promoted economic and social development related to reindeer herding. Also working environment in slaughterhouses in Russia has been improved during the project implementation once new knowledge has been accepted. The competences of reindeer owners and their occupational skills has been developed. The project permanently raised the level of quality of raw reindeer hides by, for instance, harmonising slaughtering practices, providing coaching and by developing the working environment. Local people of target regions in Murmansk Oblast, Arkhangelsk region, Nenets Autonomious District and Komi Republic understood that it is possible to use the hides, that used to be waste in the slaughterhouses, as raw material that has economical value. The project has produced estimately 30 milj rubles / year rubles extra money for reindeer herders.