Uts-Tsilma

Situated in a remote part of the Komi Republic, Ust-Tsilma is known as one of the centres of the Old Believers. The region has distinctive breeds of sheep and horse, both called 'pechorskaya'.

Population: 5 000

• Ust-Tsilemsky district: 12 000
• Decline in population: 2% annually

Centre of the Old Believers, who

• Escaped persecutions by the Russian Orthodox Church in the 1600s and 1700s
• Call themselves 'ust-tsilema' - a distinctive ethnic group with an identity and culture of its own

Main economic activities

• Farming, dairy and leather production, and logging

The region is currently highly reliant on subsidies
 

Locals are increasingly involved in solving the region's social and economic problems

Hopes to develop tourism based on its pristine nature and distinctive culture

• The Ust-Tsilma Culture, Leisure and Cinema Centre organizes 4 000 cultural events annually
• A.V. Zhuravsky Historical Memorial Museum
• The most popular event is the summer celebration 'Red Hill Festival' ('krasnaya gorka')

Challenges:

• Lack of finances and region's remoteness
• Attracting more money and visitors without sacrificing the authenticity of cultural celebrations and practices