Mongolian Economist Suggests Creating an Agency Against Poverty
Prominent economist N.Dashzeveg expressed strong feelings during the Economic Forum held March 5-6th saying the delegates "didn't talk on a main issue" in response to a question posed by a journalist: "What is the exact strategy for development?"
Putting his own view he recommended that an agency should be established to be responsible for the reduction of the country's poverty, because currently no one is. He alleged that while the economy had been consistently growing, poverty was increasing, with figures to back this up whereby in 2002 poverty was at 32% and is now 39%. This he felt was due to the economy benefiting mainly from the mining sector, but those benefits weren't reaching ordinary people.
He wanted to see more investment in, for example cattle breeding and emphasised the need for the Ministry of Economy to lay down a more wide-ranging strategy, not just confined to mining. source: http://english.news.mn/content/99419.shtml
World Bank extends loan to Sustainable Livelihoods Programme
The World Bank has extended its loan to the SLP (Sustainable Livelihoods Programme) originally set up in 2002 and due to end 2012. A further $11.0 million of added finance will now extend Phase 2 to June 2013, supported by the EU and Japan. This will further scale up institutional mechanisms set up in Phase 1 to reduce vulnerability and promote livelihoods, and will boost the Pastoral Risk Management and Community Initiatives components.
In its report, WB stated that despite encouraging trends in poverty reduction, there is substantial variation within the country. Poverty incidence in Mongolia is higher in rural areas where almost half of the population lives. Semi-nomadic herder households constitute the single largest group amongst the poor. (Montsame Agency)
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Renewable energy plans go ahead
A programme of sustainable energy souces across the country is beginning to take shape. Plans first emerged in 2005 when drawn up by the government as its National Renewable Energy Program 2005-2020 (NREP 2005-2020) with the aim of providing a countrywide network of renewable energy sources, pledging to supply every rural family with solar power by 2020. This program also included the provision to provide over 100 soum centres at present off-grid with a renewable energy source. A delegation from a German manufacturer specialising in this technology recently carried out a fact-finding mission by government invitation as part of an international renewable energy initiative, and has published its findings that are positive towards a successful achievement. Essential to success however is the need for the government to divert the national focus from use of traditional fossil fuels, especially coal, and to introduce new energy laws and incentives such as feed-in-tariffs.
A programme of sustainable energy souces across the country is beginning to take shape. Plans first emerged in 2005 when drawn up by the government as its National Renewable Energy Program 2005-2020 (NREP 2005-2020) with the aim of providing a countrywide network of renewable energy sources, pledging to supply every rural family with solar power by 2020. This program also included the provision to provide over 100 soum centres at present off-grid with a renewable energy source. A delegation from a German manufacturer specialising in this technology recently carried out a fact-finding mission by government invitation as part of an international renewable energy initiative, and has published its findings that are positive towards a successful achievement. Essential to success however is the need for the government to divert the national focus from use of traditional fossil fuels, especially coal, and to introduce new energy laws and incentives such as feed-in-tariffs.
Providing aid to Mongolia's nomadic herders
C A M D A
Cambridge Mongolia Development Appeal
Charity No: 1086778
Cambridge Mongolia Development Appeal
Charity No: 1086778
Project Plans for 2012
Our 2012 projects programme has been given the green light and will shortly be put into action, with each of our three projects - Wells, Grass Cutting Tractors and Gobi Oasis in the course of being put into motion..
Several grants have now been received from generous benefactors, and some will be supplemented by our own funds. All projects are largely determined by external grants, and we have been fortunate in securing enough to implement all three projects. Furthermore at a recent meeting approval was given to use own funds to add five wells, one tractor, and a supplement to the Gobi Oasis project. Full details and pictures..........
Our 2012 projects programme has been given the green light and will shortly be put into action, with each of our three projects - Wells, Grass Cutting Tractors and Gobi Oasis in the course of being put into motion..
Several grants have now been received from generous benefactors, and some will be supplemented by our own funds. All projects are largely determined by external grants, and we have been fortunate in securing enough to implement all three projects. Furthermore at a recent meeting approval was given to use own funds to add five wells, one tractor, and a supplement to the Gobi Oasis project. Full details and pictures..........
Due to its excessive reliance on coal for power, with large quantities used for heating dwellings including those of numerous ger encampments around the city, UB is now rated as the second most air-polluted city in the world. Winter smog is a serious problem bringing a host of health problems for its citizens.
With wind in abundance, Mongolia is well placed to make use of renewable energy, and one large project is already under way, the first of its kind undertaken by the government helped by a large loan provided by EBRD - European Bank of Reconstruction and Development. The 50 Megawatt Salkhit Wind Farm, powered by General Electric’s 1.6 MW wind turbines is set to open this year. The $100 million project will be located 70 kms southeast of UB and generate 5% of Mongolia’s electricity.
With wind in abundance, Mongolia is well placed to make use of renewable energy, and one large project is already under way, the first of its kind undertaken by the government helped by a large loan provided by EBRD - European Bank of Reconstruction and Development. The 50 Megawatt Salkhit Wind Farm, powered by General Electric’s 1.6 MW wind turbines is set to open this year. The $100 million project will be located 70 kms southeast of UB and generate 5% of Mongolia’s electricity.
Picture: CleanTechnica