The Federal Agency for Ethnic Affairs has proposed formalizing a provision under which mineral companies would compensate small ethnic groups for the use of their land, Interfax writes, quoting head of the agency Igor Barinov.

"One of the agency's priorities is to reduce as much as possible the damage done by mineral companies to the ethnic group's traditional way of life. The legislation on the use of such land is inadequate as it doesn't provide for compensation payments," Barinov said at "The Arctic. Made in Russia" forum.

He pointed out that such compensation is only paid in four Russian regions. "We need to add a compensation procedure to the law on the areas of traditional land use," Barinov said.

The agency also plans to create a register of indigenous and small ethnic groups. "As of now, each region independently makes regulations for proving that you are a member of a small nation. We have prepared a new law for consideration [by parliament]," the agency head said.

The II International Youth Forum "The Arctic. Made in Russia" began in the Tver Region on February 29 and will continue until March 6.