On Thursday, Aisen Nikolayev was inaugurated as the head of Yakutia and signed an executive order on the ecological wellbeing of the region, the republic's website reports. The document defines environmental priorities for the period until 2024.

"All of us must come to an understanding that we cannot endlessly and thoughtlessly take from nature what it has to offer, while depleting the soil and polluting water and the air. I am confident that we should take care of our native land and create a healthy environment for the wellbeing and happiness of each resident of the republic as we develop the economy and plan new projects," Mr. Nikolayev said at the ceremony.

He also outlined five development priorities: reducing possible risks in the face of growing human and technological impacts on the environment, having subsoil users step up environmental security as they engage in business activities, using biological resources rationally, preserving the unique northern and Arctic ecosystems, as well as enhancing ecological culture and ecological responsibility of civil society in the republic.

Under the executive order, Yakutia will set up an environmental council subordinated to the head of the republic.