Lena

Lena

The Lena is the easternmost of the three great Siberian Arctic rivers (the other two are the Ob’ and Yenisei) which flow into the Arctic Ocean. This river crosses Eastern Siberia from south to north to flow into the Laptev Sea after a course of over 4,400 km, with a catchment area of 2,490,000 km². The Lena is the tenth longest river in the world and among the largest in terms of basin size, which substantially coincides with the entire eastern Siberia.

Etymology –
The name “Lena” comes from a word in the Sacha language, a native ethnic group of the Siberian region, which lives mainly along the banks of the river.
The word sacha “Ленэ” (pronounced “Lené”) is the original name of the river and has different interpretations among linguists. One of the common explanations is that the term “Ленэ” refers to a large river or broad stream. This interpretation seems appropriate considering the impressive size of the Lena River.
Importantly, like many words in the native languages of Siberia, the etymology and meanings can vary between different local communities and cultures. However, the explanation mentioned above represents one of the most accepted interpretations regarding the origin of the name of the Lena River.

Geographic Features –
The Lena River, being a river flowing through a vast territory, is characterized by a complexity of geographical conditions.
The Lena River flows through Eastern Siberia in the northeastern part of Russia. It originates from the mountains of the Baikal Mountains in the Lake Baikal region and flows north through central Siberia to empty into the Laptev Sea in the East Siberian Sea of the Arctic Ocean.
With a length of approximately 4,400 kilometers, the Lena River is one of the longest rivers in the world. Its extensive hydrographic network spans a vast area of approximately 2,500,000 square kilometers.
The drainage basin of the Lena River is extensive and includes a large part of central and eastern Siberia. It also includes Lakes Baikal and Lakshadweep which are some of the largest and deepest lakes in the world.
The region crossed by the Lena River is characterized by a cold continental climate, with very cold and long winters and relatively short and hot summers. The area is also dominated by vast expanses of tundra and taiga, with coniferous forests, lakes, and swamps.
The Lena River is fed by several tributaries, some of which are significant rivers on their own. Among the most important tributaries are the Aldan, Vilyuy and Olekma.
Despite its cold climate and long winters, the Lena River is navigable in parts for much of the year, facilitating the transportation of resources and people across the region.
The Lena River region is rich in natural resources, including deposits of oil, natural gas, coal and precious minerals. The extractive industry is therefore one of the main sources of income for the area.
The ecosystem of the Lena River and its surrounding areas is very important for the biodiversity of Siberia. The area provides habitat for several species of wildlife including brown bear, moose, reindeer and various species of waterfowl.
The Lena River plays a crucial role in the lives of those who live along its banks and in the surrounding region, providing natural resources, wildlife habitat, and transportation and navigation opportunities.

Historical Notes –
The Lena River has always been considered one of the most important rivers in the region due to its size, water flow and historical and economic importance.
This river was first explored by Europeans in the 17th century. Explorers such as the Cossack Petr Beketov and the Russian Demid Pyanda helped map the course of the river and establish trade relations with the indigenous peoples along its banks.
In the 18th century, the Lena River became an important trade route, connecting the vast Siberian territories with the Arctic Ocean. The river was used to transport animal skins, furs, timber and other natural resources north, where they were then transported by sea to Europe.
Russian expansion into Siberia was greatly influenced by the presence of the Lena River. Access to this waterway allowed greater penetration into the Siberian hinterland and the colonization of new lands along the river’s course.
In 1912, a tragic uprising known as the “Lena Uprising” occurred during the Russian pre-revolutionary period. The working conditions and the harsh suppression of protests by workers in the coal mines in the area led to an uprising which was brutally put down by the tsarist government, with heavy casualties.
Throughout the 20th century, the Lena River continued to play a key role as a transport route for the region. Ports were built along the river, and a railway line connected the city of Yakutsk with the Trans-Siberian Railway, further improving access to the river and facilitating trade and economic development.
During World War II, the Lena River was of strategic importance to Russia. It was used to transport supplies and troops to the northern regions of the Eastern Front, helping to fight against the German invasion.
Today, the Lena River remains an important transportation route and an important economic resource for Eastern Siberia, with fishing, river transport, and exploitation of natural resources along its banks.

Ecosystem –
The Lena River features a number of different zones, each with its own distinctive flora and fauna.
– Boreal forests: boreal forests, conifers and larch trees, are typical of the forest area that develops along the banks of the river. Among the most common tree species we find firs, pines and birches. These forests provide a habitat for various bird species, such as woodpeckers, eagles and owls, as well as mammals such as brown bears, lynxes, foxes and wolves.
– Wetlands: The wetlands along the Lena River include marshes, peat bogs and lakes. They are ideal habitats for various species of migratory birds, such as ducks, geese and swans, which take refuge there during the nesting and migration seasons. Furthermore, wetlands are important for the reproduction of fish species such as salmon and bleak.
– River and aquatic fauna: The Lena River is rich in aquatic life. Numerous species of fish are found there, including sturgeons, salmon, Siberian taimen and Siberian pike. These fish are vital to ecosystems, providing food for predatory animals and controlling populations of small aquatic organisms.
– Arctic tundra: In the northernmost regions close to the Arctic Ocean, the landscape becomes more dominated by the arctic tundra. The tundra is characterized by mosses, lichens and other plants adapted to cold conditions and nutrient-poor soils. This region supports a variety of arctic animals, such as reindeer, lemmings, arctic foxes, and some arctic birds.
– Sandbanks and river islands: along the course of the Lena River, there are several river islands and sandbanks. These areas are important for nesting birds, such as gulls and terns. Mammals, such as bearded seals, can also be seen on or near the islands.
The ecosystem of the Lena River is delicate and susceptible to balance between various species and environmental conditions. Human activities, such as fishing and industrial development, can adversely affect the surrounding environment. Therefore, it is essential to preserve this precious ecosystem and ensure its conservation for future generations.

Flora –
The vast drainage area of the Lena River includes a wide variety of ecosystems, including boreal forests, wetlands and tundra. The flora along the Lena River reflects this ecological diversity.
In the region along the Lena River, it is common to find a variety of trees, shrubs and plants adapted to the harsh climate of Siberia. Among the typical plant species of the area can be included:
– Firs (Picea spp.): firs are coniferous trees that form dense boreal forests.
– Larches (Larix spp.): larches are deciduous conifers and are often found in colder areas.
– Birches (Betula spp.): Birches are deciduous trees that thrive in areas with a cool temperate climate.
– Alders (Alnus spp.): alders are deciduous trees that grow well in wetlands.
– Willows (Salix spp.): Willows are adaptable plants that can be found in both humid and drier areas.
– Mosses and lichens: these organisms can be common in the undergrowth or in colder areas.
– Tundra plants: In some parts of the Lena River, especially in the more northern areas, there may be plants adapted to the tundra, such as arctic moss and dwarf plants.

Wildlife –
The Lena River flows through several regions, including the Sakha (Yakutia) Republic and the Krasnoyarsk Territory, creating an environment rich in wildlife. The animal species found in the area depend on the climate, vegetation and resources available along the river. Some of the major fauna species that can be found in the Lena River and its surrounding areas include:
– Brown bears: Brown bears are common in many areas of Eastern Siberia and can be seen along the banks of the Lena River, especially during the salmon fishing season when they try to catch salmon that come upriver for spawning.
– Lynxes: these felines inhabit the forests along the Lena River and feed mainly on rodents and other small mammals.
– Foxes: Siberian foxes are present in the region and can be seen foraging along the river banks.
– Caribou: the region around the Lena River is one of the migration areas of caribou, which move over long distances in search of pastures during the different seasons of the year.
– Moose: These large cervids are widespread in the region and can be seen in the woods and grasslands near the river.
– Eagles: several species of eagles, such as the sea eagle and the golden eagle, inhabit the banks of the Lena River, hunting fish and small animals.
– Beavers: Beavers are known to build dams along the course of the Lena River, creating unique habitats for other species and influencing the local ecosystem.
– Trout and Salmon: The Lena River is home to many species of fish, including trout and salmon, which play a crucial role in the ecosystem and are also a food source for many creatures in the area.
– Otters: otters are present in the Lena River and its wetlands, where they feed on fish, crustaceans and other small aquatic animals.
– Fish Eagle: This species of bird of prey specializes in hunting fish and can be seen along the Lena River, diving into the water to catch food.

Environmental Protection Actions –
The Lena River has been subject to several environmental conservation actions to preserve its ecology and biodiversity. These actions have been taken to address environmental threats, such as pollution, deforestation and climate change, which can negatively affect the river ecosystem and the lives of the local communities that depend on it.
Some of the environmental protection actions of the Lena River are:
– Environmental Monitoring: Government authorities and environmental organizations can carry out constant monitoring of the water quality, the species of fauna and flora present in the river and the general environmental conditions along the course of the river. This helps to identify environmental problems and evaluate the effectiveness of existing protective measures.
– Natural resource management: Sustainable natural resource management policies in the region can be adopted to reduce excessive deforestation and indiscriminate use of water resources. This helps protect the river’s natural habitat and biodiversity.
– Protection of sensitive areas: Nature reserves or protected areas have been created along the course of the Lena River to preserve the delicate ecosystems and rare or endangered species that live in the area.
– Pollution control: Stricter policies and regulations can be implemented to reduce water pollution, waste emission and other harmful industrial activities along the Lena River.
– Awareness Raising and Community Involvement: Awareness raising campaigns can be conducted to educate local communities on the importance of environmental stewardship of the river and actively involve them in conservation initiatives.
– Scientific research: Scientific research can contribute to a better understanding of the ecology of the Lena River and its environmental challenges. The information obtained can be used to guide conservation policies and future actions.

Guido Bissanti