Yenisei
Yenisei
The Yenisei or, more archaically, Jenissei is an arctic river in central Siberian Russia. It is the longest river in Russia, it is one of the largest in Asia and in the whole world, both in length and in the size of the catchment area.
Etymology –
The name Yenisei has a complex etymology and has its roots in the culture and history of Siberia, particularly in the region of present-day Russia.
The Yenisei termien comes from a Turkish word, “Kai-si,” meaning “great river” or “main river”.
The precise origin of the name “Enisej” or “Yenisei” dates back to the era of the influence of the ancient Turkic and Mongol populations in the region. These nomadic cultures often used names related to nature, including river names, to indicate important places or significant geographical features.
Throughout history, the Yenisei River and its surrounding lands have been inhabited by various peoples, including the Khakasi, Evenki and Yakut. These populations developed their own languages and cultures, also influencing the names and terminology associated with the region.
Geographic Features –
Yenisei is one of the two largest rivers in Russia and Asia. It has a total length of approximately 5,539 kilometers, making it the fifth longest river in the world. Its drainage basin encompasses an area of about 2.58 million square kilometers.
The Yenisei originates in Mongolia’s Khangai Mountains and flows north through central Siberia, passing Lake Baikal, the deepest lake in the world. It continues its course towards the Arctic, crossing vast plains and boreal forests, until it drains into the Kara Sea, in the Arctic Ocean.
The Yenisei River plays an important role in the region’s economy, as it is navigable in some stretches and serves as a vital transportation route for the transport of goods. Furthermore, its waters are used for the generation of hydroelectric energy, with various plants along its entire route.
The region around Yenisei is known for its wild nature and breathtaking landscapes. It hosts a variety of ecosystems, including boreal forests, steppes, tundra, and wetlands. The biodiversity of the area is rich, with different species of plants and animals adapted to the extreme conditions of the Siberian climate.
Important cities along the Yenisei include Krasnoyarsk, Irkutsk, Kyzyl and Dudinka. These cities play significant roles as industrial, administrative and cultural centers in the region.
In short, the Yenisei is a massive and essential river for Siberia, providing water, transportation and energy for the vast region. Its economic importance, natural beauty and biodiversity make it a fundamental element of the geography of the area.
Historical Notes –
The history of Yenisei is closely linked to the geographical region in which it flows, Siberia. The first traces of human presence along the Yenisei date back to over 30,000 years ago, when nomadic populations settled in the region. Over the centuries, several cultures and civilizations have developed along the river, including the ancient Scythians, Xiongnu and Mongols.
During the period of the Russian feudal kingdoms, the Yenisei served as an important communication route and trade route for Russian explorers. In the 16th century, the first permanent settlements along the river were established. In 1607, Cossack explorer Yermak Timofeyevich led an expedition up the Yenisei, defeating local tribes and paving the way for Russian expansion into Siberia.
Over the next few centuries, Siberia was gradually settled by Russian settlements, and the Yenisei became an important trade route for furs, minerals and other natural products. In the 19th century, the Russian government established the Russo-American Company, which had a monopoly on trade along the Yenisei and other Siberian waterways.
During the Soviet period, Yenisei continued to play an important role in the region. Industrial settlements were built along the river and its natural resources were exploited, including timber, coal and gold. Major hydroelectric engineering projects were also built along the river, such as the Krasnoyarsk Dam, which contributed to power generation for the entire region.
Today, the Yenisei is still an important transportation route for Siberia. The river is navigable for much of its course, facilitating the transport of goods and people. Furthermore, the Yenisei and its valley are an important resource for the fauna and flora of the region, with numerous nature reserves and national parks protecting the ecosystem of the river.
Ecosystem –
The Yenisei River ecosystem is known for its vast biological diversity and ecological importance to the region.
– River and delta: The Yenisei originates from the Sayan Mountains in southern Siberia and flows north for about 5,539 km, emptying into the Kara Sea in the Arctic. The river forms a broad delta at its northern end, with numerous arms and channels creating an important habitat for many species of flora and fauna.
– Forests and taiga: The Yenisei River ecosystem includes a large area of forests and taiga along its banks. The forests consist mainly of conifers, such as larches and firs, which provide shelter for a variety of animals, including brown bears, wolves, moose, roe deer, and many birds.
– Wetlands: The Yenisei delta hosts numerous wetlands, such as marshes, lakes and marshes. These habitats are essential for the nesting of many species of migratory birds, such as the porcupine goose, the Siberian mute swan and the gray heron. Wetlands also provide sustenance for fish, such as salmon, which come upriver to spawn.
– Fish species: The Yenisei is rich in fish and supports one of the most important fish industries in Russia. Among the fish species found in the river are salmon, Siberian perch, Siberian sturgeon and many others. These species play a key role in the river ecosystem and perform an important function in the balance of the food chain.
– Biodiversity: The Yenisei River ecosystem hosts a remarkable biological diversity. In addition to the species mentioned above, many other species of mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and insects can be found along the course of the river. The area is also home to some rare and endangered species, such as the Siberian tiger and snow leopard.
– Human use: The Yenisei is of significant economic and social importance to the human communities living along the river. The fishing industry is an important livelihood for many people, while the river itself is used for commercial shipping and the transport of goods. However, human activity can also pose threats to the ecosystem of the river, such as water pollution and deforestation of the surrounding areas.
Flora –
The flora of the Yenisei River is diverse and varied due to the wide range of climates and environments found along the river’s course. The Yenisei is one of the longest rivers in Siberia and flows through a vast and diverse territory, ranging from mountainous regions to taiga and arctic tundra.
In the Yenisei mountain regions, coniferous forests are found, mainly pine and fir. As the river extends towards the lowlands, the vegetation changes. In the taiga region, which covers a large area along the river, there are coniferous forests mixed with deciduous trees such as birch, alder and willow. This area is characterized by a cold and humid climate.
Further north, when the river crosses the arctic tundra, the vegetation becomes very sparse and dominated by mosses and lichens adapted to the extreme conditions of the arctic climate. In the wet and marshy areas along the river, there are also reed beds and various species of aquatic plants.
Yenisei is also known for its wealth of aquatic plants, such as water lilies and algae, which thrive in its waters.
Also, various herbs and wild flowers can be found along the banks of the river, including several species of daisies, irises, nettles, and many others.
It is important to note that the flora along the Yenisei River can vary depending on the seasons and the specific conditions of each area along the river’s course. The botanical diversity of the Yenisei River contributes to its importance as a habitat for many plant and animal species.
Wildlife –
The river passes through different regions and climates, from the cold lands of Siberia to the plains of northern Central Asia. This river is home to a variety of fauna species that have adapted to the region’s unique environmental conditions. Here are some of the fauna species that can be found along the Yenisei River:
– Siberian taimen (Hucho taimen): The Siberian taimen is a freshwater fish that can reach considerable dimensions, up to 2 meters in length. It is one of the most important fish species of the Yenisei River and is considered a highly valuable fish for sport fishing.
– Lenok (Brachymystax lenok): Lenok is another freshwater fish found in Yenisei River. It is a predatory fish that can reach dimensions of up to 80 cm in length. It is known for its ability to hunt insects and small fish.
– Sturgeon (Acipenseridae): The Enisej River is home to several species of sturgeon, including the large Siberian sturgeon (Huso dauricus) and the Siberian white sturgeon (Acipenser baerii). These sturgeon species are notable for their roe, which is used to make caviar.
– Siberian pike (Esox lucius): The Siberian pike is a freshwater predator that lives in the Yenisei River. It can reach a considerable size and feeds on other fish and aquatic animals.
– Moose (Alces alces): Along the banks of the Yenisei River, it is possible to find the moose, the largest deer in the northern hemisphere. These majestic animals feed on vegetation and move along the river banks to find food and water.
– Brown bear (Ursus arctos): The Siberian brown bear is an inhabitant of the forests along the Yenisei river. These powerful predators feed on a variety of foods, including fish, berries, and other animals.
These are just some of the fauna species that can be found along the Yenisei River. The region is rich in biodiversity and is home to many other species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians.
Environmental Protection Actions –
Due to the ecological importance of this river and its richness in natural resources, various conservation actions have been undertaken to protect the Yenisei River and its valley. Some of the main environmental safeguard actions taken to preserve this important ecosystem are listed below:
– Monitoring and scientific research: Several scientific researches have been conducted to assess the health of the Yenisei River and identify potential environmental threats. This monitoring helps collect data on river conditions and identify any problems or negative impacts.
– Protection of nature reserves: Several nature reserves have been established along the course of the Yenisei River to protect the unique flora and fauna of this region. These nature reserves serve as protected habitats for numerous plant and animal species, including endangered animals such as brown bears and snow leopards.
– Regulation of the exploitation of natural resources: Measures have been taken to regulate the extraction of natural resources in the Yenisei River region. This helps prevent overexploitation of water, mineral and forest resources, while reducing negative impacts on the river ecosystem.
– Waste and wastewater management: Waste and wastewater management policies and infrastructure have been implemented. This includes the construction of wastewater treatment plants and the promotion of safe and environmentally friendly waste disposal practices in order to reduce pollution of the Yenisei River and its tributaries.
– Environmental education and community involvement: Environmental awareness campaigns were organized to educate people about the importance of safeguarding the Yenisei River and actively involve them in its protection. This can include educational programs in schools, riverbank cleanup initiatives, and promoting sustainable practices among local communities.
– International cooperation: Protecting the Yenisei River requires cooperation between countries through which the river flows, such as Russia and Mongolia. International collaboration is essential to adopt common policies, share information and address transboundary environmental challenges that can affect the Yenisei River.
These are just some of the environmental conservation actions that have been taken to protect the Yenisei River. It is important to continue monitoring and conserving this precious river and its valley to ensure a sustainable future for the ecosystem and the communities that depend on it.
Guido Bissanti
Photo source:
– https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enisej#/media/File:Yeniseirivermap.png